RISING, Melbourne's new festival of the night, is a major cultural event for the Asia Pacific Region created by a diverse team of local, national and international artists and curators. 

RISING's purpose is to send interlocking circles of experience and connection radiating through the night, re-synchronising the city and re-energising it with public art, performance and music spanning the emerging and iconic, the epic and intimate.

RISING is a surge of art, music, performance and ceremony in the heart of the city: 26 May – 6 June 2021. 

# GENERAL

__Q. What is RISING?__

A. RISING is a surge of art, music, performance and ceremony in the heart of Melbourne... In other words, it’s a new festival in Victoria’s cultural calendar. RISING's inaugural festival opened on the evening of the total lunar eclipse 26 May 2021. Dates for RISING 2022 will be announced soon.

__Q. When will the program be announced?__

A. RISING's now finished 2021 program is here! [Check it out](https://rising.melbourne/festival-program). 

__Q. I’m not sure if RISING is for me. What kind of events will be in the program?__

A. RISING is for everyone. From visual art, installations, performance and live music; to unique food events and wild art adventures, we’ll have all kinds of experiences for you to enjoy whatever you’re into. 

__Q. Is the program family-friendly?__

A. Yep! RISING 2021 featured free and low-cost experiences for families to enjoy, including [Wandering Stars](/festival-program/wandering-stars)—a giant lantern installation on the Birrarung (Yarra) river; [Heavy Congress](/festival-program/heavy-congress)—a battle of the soundsystems at the Melbourne Town Hall; and [The Wilds](/festival-program/the-wilds)—ice skating, a bamboo forest and a giant rotating moon at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. You can check out more of the program's family-friendly events [here](https://rising.melbourne/festival-program) using the Experience filter.

__Q. How late do RISING events go?__

A. All night, baby. Well, a few do. Most of RISING's 2021 program kicked off at sunset each night (about 5PM), going into the night. Dance and theatre shows may also have matinees. Take a look at the [schedule](https://rising.melbourne/schedule) for the full picture. 

__Q. What happened to the Melbourne International Arts Festival and White Night Melbourne?__

A. The sun has set on those two events, but a new moon is RISING.

__Q. It runs over National Reconciliation Week. Do you plan on tying in Reconciliation Week into this program?__

A. Yes, absolutely! Working with First Peoples artists and community is a key focus area for RISING. We work closely with these groups to develop programming and experiences that amplify the themes and intentions of Reconciliation Week during the festival.

__Q. I thought the new festival was happening in 2021?__

A. That was the plan but plans change in a pandemic. We were fortunate to be able to enjoy one majestic night of our 2021 program before Melbourne's necessary lockdown kicked in. Our 2022 dates will be announced in the coming months.

__Q. Who is curating the festival?__

A. Hannah Fox and Gideon Obarzanek are RISING’s co-Artistic Directors, and lead a diverse team of national and international arts professionals in programming the festival.

__Q. I would like to volunteer, intern or work for RISING. How do I apply?__

A. Thank you for your interest! We advertise employment opportunities on our [Jobs](https://rising.melbourne/jobs) page and will be advertising any volunteering opportunities on our social channels (follow us [here](https://www.facebook.com/risingmelb/), [here](https://www.linkedin.com/company/rising-melbourne), [here](https://twitter.com/risingmelbourne) and [here](https://www.instagram.com/rising.melbourne/)) and via email ([subscribe here](https://rising.melbourne/subscribe)).

# COVID-19

__Q. How is RISING being COVID-Safe?__

A. We are working closely with the Victorian Government and the Department of Health to deliver a COVID-Safe event for everyone. The [COVID-Safe page](https://rising.melbourne/covid-safe) has specifics on what we’re doing.

__Q. How are you keeping venues COVID-Safe?__

A. We are working closely with the Victorian Government and the Department of Health to deliver a COVID-Safe event for everyone. At ticketed venues, we’ll be doing timed or staggered entry and managing capacities; implementing contact tracing protocols; installing sanitiser stations and physical-distancing floor markers; using digital tickets and cashless payments to limit handling. For more information, check out our [COVID-Safe page](https://rising.melbourne/covid-safe).

__Q. Will I have to wear a mask?__

A. RISING is following government advice and guidelines. Currently, Victorians are required to carry a mask and wear it in certain situations. We’ll update you on the conditions of entry via your pre-show email and on the [COVID-Safe page](https://rising.melbourne/covid-safe). We also suggest following us on social media (Facebook | Instagram | Twitter), so you don’t miss any information. 

__Q. How are you managing contact tracing?__

A. All guests are required to check-in at venues via a QR code. It’s a condition of entry that you complete the questionnaire before being granted entry to a venue.

__Q. What happens if I have a ticket and can’t attend due to COVID-related restrictions?__

A. Due to the uncertainties posed by COVID-19, we’re offering additional flexibility through our refund policy.  Read more [here](https://rising.melbourne/covid-safe) or contact us by phone on 03 9662 4242 or [email](mailto:ticketing@rising.melbourne). We’ll sort you out. 

__Q. What happens if I can’t attend because I am unwell or need to isolate after a COVID-19 test? Can I get a refund or an exchange?__

A. Due to the uncertainties posed by COVID-19, we’re offering additional flexibility through our refund policy. We encourage you and your booking party to stay at home if you or they are unwell. You will be entitled to a refund if you, a member of your booking party, or someone you’ve been in contact with, exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 after you make your booking and prior to the event. The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose or loss of sense of smell. You must contact RISING as soon as possible after displaying symptoms or coming into contact with anyone displaying symptoms. We will not be able to provide a refund if you contact us after the event.

__Q. What happens if there’s another lockdown? Will you refund or reschedule tickets?__

A. We may need to postpone or cancel events due to COVID-19, but you will be able to reschedule or get a refund in both instances. We'll keep you informed via email, or you can get in touch with us by phone on 03 9662 4242 or [email](mailto:ticketing@rising.melbourne). For more info on our COVID-Safe ticketing policy head [here](https://rising.melbourne/covid-safe) and refer to our [Ticketing Terms and Conditions](https://rising.melbourne/ticketing-terms).

__Q. Will you provide masks and hand sanitiser?__

A. RISING is following government advice and guidelines. Currently, Victorians are required to carry a mask and wear it in certain situations. We’ll be updating our COVID-Safe page as the guidelines are updated. We ask that you bring your own mask. Each venue will have hand sanitiser stations. 

__Q. I have a medical exemption from wearing a mask. Can I attend?__

A. You don’t have to wear a mask if you have a medical exemption. You must provide proof of your exemption when asked, though. We’ll do our best to remind guests ahead of the event.

# TICKETING

__Q. What does allocation exhausted mean?__

A. It means, currently, we don’t have any available tickets for that event. If you’re seeing allocation exhausted, more tickets may become available soon. We’ll be announcing ticket releases via email [sign up here](https://rising.melbourne /subscribe) and on our social channels. You can also see if our registered [ticketing partners](https://rising.melbourne/ticket-info) have tickets.

__Q. Can I buy a ticket in person, on the day?__

A. Booking in advance means you won’t miss out on tickets or have to queue at a box office. But if you like to fly by the seat of your pants, you can buy a ticket on the day from venue box offices. However, to protect our staff and you, we’ll only be accepting cashless payments. 

__Q. Can I get a printed ticket posted to me?__

A. As part of our [Sustainability](https://rising.melbourne/sustainability) and [COVID-Safe](https://rising.melbourne/covid-safe) practices, we won’t be offering posted tickets in 2021. Digital tickets will replace our printed tickets where possible and be made available 48 hours prior to your event. If you’re unable to access digital tickets, you can contact ourthe box office via email or phone to arrange venue collection.

__Q. When will I get my ticket?__

A.  You’ll be able to access your digital tickets 48 hours prior to your event. We’ll send instructions to the email address you book with, so make sure it’s one you regularly check and can access on the go. Tickets won’t be available before this period. The confirmation email you receive after you complete your order means your place is secured. If you haven’t received your digital ticket 48 hours before your first event, please contact our Box Office team via our website, [email](mailto:ticketing@rising.melbourne) or call us on (03) 9662 4242.

__Q. Can I book over the phone?__

A. You sure can—please call us on (03) 9662 4242. Our customer service team will be available 10AM–5PM, Monday—Friday. If the phone line is unattended, please leave a message and we'll get back to you. You can also send us an [email](mailto:ticketing@rising.melbourne). 

__Q. Do I qualify for a concession or discounted ticket price?__

A. If you hold any of the following, you’re eligible for a concession priced ticket. Please note that Concession pricing isn’t available for every event. Come prepared to show your proof of concession with your ticket at the venue. 

- Children aged 16 years and under 
- Full-time Students (including international students) 
- Pensioners 
- Seniors 
- Victorian Carer Card holders 
- Health Care Card holders 
- Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance members 

Frequently Asked Questions

CEOS

EXECUTIVE

BRAND & COMMERCIAL 

CORPORATE SERVICES

DEVELOPMENT

MUSIC

PROGRAMMING AND PRODUCTION

People

Board of Directors

__NEED ASSISTANCE?__

If you have access requirements that will cause difficulty applying online and you need assistance, please call 03 9662 4242, Monday to Thursday, between 9AM–5PM. We are only able to respond to accessibility enquiries at this number, for all other queries please email [jobs@rising.melbourne](mailto:jobs@rising.melbourne).  

RISING is a new festival aspiring to be a cultural leader in diversity and inclusion. We want our organisation and program to be a true reflection of our city representing people of diverse abilities, cultures and backgrounds. We encourage applications from First Nations people, those who are culturally and linguistically diverse, and people who have a disability or who are d/Deaf.


Jobs

We know that climate change is real. We acknowledge that traditional festival activities have been, by design, unsustainable, and that we can do better.  

RISING strives to deliver events with an enduring and balanced approach to environmental responsibility, social progress, cultural consciousness and economic activity. We make decisions as an organisation, balancing the needs of people, planet and profit. We value community, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and sustainability. 

RISING is minimising our impact on the environment. We aspire to produce zero waste and are working towards this goal by consuming fewer resources and designing out waste in the first place. With this lens we’re choosing products and services that can contribute to positive social, cultural and economic development. 

Even if it’s a bit inconvenient, even if it’s hard, even if we fail, we want to take the lead and engage our event community in the conversation. And each year, we want to continually question the way we do things as we learn and grow.

### WHAT WE’RE UP TO

- We’re learning from experts, doing our research and upskilling our team to make sustainable choices across all departments
- We’re aligning our climate-responsible event strategy with science-based targets and globally agreed ambitions
- We’re scrutinising our supply chains and considering the full impacts of the materials and products we use, as we work towards a more circular economy rather than a linear one
- We’re developing a Sustainability Action Plan, Sustainable Procurement Policy and embedding sustainable considerations into our official project processes
- We’re leaning into digital preferences over printing, in house, in marketing and with our cashless and ticketing systems
- We’re approaching our food and beverage offerings as an opportunity to showcase sustainable practice–sustainable farming, fresh, fair and seasonal paddock-to-plate menus, ethically-sourced ingredients always, and minimising single-use plastic in service
- We’re getting wise with merchandise and uniforms, selling useful, reusable, items and thinking circularity when it comes to festival attire. We’re seeking ethically sourced and manufactured products made from durable and sustainable materials
- We’re measuring our carbon footprint to analyse our impact, create a baseline of Greenhouse Gas emission boundaries and set goals for reductions and improvements
- We’re looking into carbon balancing projects to give back to our planet; to restore and regenerate as we rise


Sustainability


RISING is a beautiful, messy, illuminating expression of Melbourne now. It's a festival that you do, not just see—so we want you to join in.

To create a festival that reflects Melbourne, we need to engage more than the current arts-going community. We need to pull in the audiences and artists so often excluded because of cost, access or lack of direct invitation. Melbourne should see all of its multifaceted talent, creativity, diversity and intelligence reflected in us. 

Audiences of all backgrounds are courageous, sophisticated and interested. No individual event or experience will speak to everyone, but our aim for the RISING program as a whole is that, like a mirror ball, many people can see themselves reflected in it in some way.

With over 130 projects in the program from a [naked disco for one](/festival-program/club-purple) to an [installation floating on the river](/festival-program/wandering-stars) for many thousands, we invite all of the many communities of Melbourne to come together again after too long apart.

## JOIN IN 

In the lead up to and during RISING, there will be many opportunities for you to join in, whether it’s taking part in a lantern workshop or heading down to [Wandering Stars](/festival-program/wandering-stars) on the Birrarung’s banks (Yarra).  

RISING’s aim is to bring people from different cultural, political and social backgrounds together, and help them share their stories. We encourage participation and invite individuals, community and arts organisations, unis, TAFEs, schools, and local businesses to come together to be part of the making of a new tradition for Melbourne with us. 

If you’re interested in participating in RISING in a more formal way, [sign up our Moon Mail](/subscribe).

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