Created for families with children aged 5-12, the newly established Creativerse Festival features an Immersive Zone, which will see the Ulumbarra Theatre foyer transformed into a creative laboratory where families can create their own art.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the Festivals Australia program supported local favourites in all corners of the country.

“I’ve been to my share of regional festivals. They’re woven into the fabric of communities and are the talk of the town.

“They’re an opportunity for up-and-coming artists to put their name in lights and they provide a platform for Australia’s international artists to perform to regional and remote audiences across the country.

“Our support for festivals drives local economies by fostering cultural tourism and bringing visitors into our regions.”

The ongoing program supports regional artists, arts workers, and organisations to showcase projects of importance to their communities.

Applications for Round 21 of the Festivals Australia program are expected to open in September 2025.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP: 

“Bendigo has a proud arts community and it’s one of the things that makes our region such a great place to live.

“The Creativerse Festival’s Immersive Zone is a new Children’s Festival of Art, Tech and Play for local families with children aged 5–12.

“From animation, photography and motion capture, to creating soundscapes and interactive audio-visual responses through movement, the Immersive Zone will be the perfect place for children and families to create their own masterpieces.

“Only the Federal Labor Government understands the true value and contribution that arts organisations make to the lives of Australians.”