Community groups planning a festival or event next year are encouraged to apply for a grant through the 2011 ACT Festival Fund, which closes at 5pm on Monday 5 July, Chief Minister and Minster for the Arts and Heritage, Jon Stanhope said today.

"The $200,000 Festival Fund is part of the ACT Government's commitment to support an active and creative city, and I encourage organisers to submit an application if their event requires financial support," Mr Stanhope said.

"The fund focuses on festivals and events which encourage community participation and are well-organised and viable.

"We are particularly keen to see a strong connection from applications in this round to our plans for the city's centenary in 2013."

Fifteen events were successful in receiving funding in the 2010 round, including the Canberra International Film Festival, Canberra Fisherman's Club Canberra Carp-out, Tuggeranong Community Art's 2010 Moon Festival and Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens Footprint Festival.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposal with staff in the Special Events Unit in the Chief Minister's Department. Appointments are essential by contacting Rebecca Gaukroger on 6205 7141.

Applications must be submitted in hard copy prior to this deadline, and all criteria must be addressed.

For more information on the 2011 Festival Fund, including a 2011 information booklet and application forms, visit www.events.act.gov.au email events@act.gov.au or call 6205 7141.

Media Contact:

Jess Wurf 6205 0504 0411 772 700 jess.wurf@act.gov.au