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Melbourne International Comedy Festival has secured an agreement with Bella Union Enterprises Pty Ltd and Trades Hall to operate seven venues within the historic building for the 2010 Festival.
Over the last four years, Bella Union Enterprises Pty Ltd, an independent event producer, has programmed and produced Comedy @ Trades under the umbrella of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. However, Bella Union has decided that the financial risks associated with producing a fifth season of Comedy @ Trades were too great. Bella Union will continue to operate the bar during the Comedy Festival season.
"Changes to the licensing laws have forced us to reassess our priorities for Bella Union Enterprises," said Catherine Woodfield, Managing Director, Bella Union.
"Whilst we've revelled in creating four successful Comedy @ Trades seasons, we,re excited about taking time out to focus on building the profile of our much-loved Bella Union, a bar and live performance venue which operates year-round at Trades Hall."
Catherine Woodfield will liaise with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for a short transition period to ensure a smooth hand-over for registered artists.
"Over the last four years, Catherine and the Comedy @ Trades crew have turned Trades Hall into an exciting and unique Festival hub," said Susan Provan, Director, Melbourne International Comedy Festival. "Melbourne International Comedy Festival is committed to continuing the operation of these important venues to support Australian independent performers.
"We could not see these unique spaces remain dark over the Festival period as they play a vital role for performers and our audience."
Jacob Grech, Building Manager, Trades Hall & Literary Institute said: "Trades Hall welcomes the new relationship with Melbourne Comedy Festival and looks forward to continuing to serve the Victorian artistic community."
As is the case for all Festival-managed venues, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival will provide all event infrastructure including staff, ticketing, technical and production requirements, marketing and publicity.
"It is a very big commitment on behalf of the Festival to step in at this late stage but housing Festival artists is a priority," said Ms Provan.
The Festival is approaching its 25th anniversary in 2011 with a vision to connect the whole CBD during the Festival from the hub at Trades Hall to the river.
