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.

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—a giant lantern installation on the Birrarung (Yarra) river; Heavy Congress—a battle of the soundsystems at the Melbourne Town Hall; and 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 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 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 page and will be advertising any volunteering opportunities on our social channels (follow us here, here, here and here) and via email (subscribe here).

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 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.

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. 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 or contact us by phone on 03 9662 4242 or email. 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. For more info on our COVID-Safe ticketing policy head here and refer to our Ticketing Terms and Conditions.

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.

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 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 and 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 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.

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.