STAND UP! 2020

Date: 1 November, 2019

Supporting a new generation of strong funny women serious about comedy

The Stand Up! initiative was launched by the Andrews Labor Government in 2019 to support the professional development and Melbourne International Comedy Festival seasons of one or more emerging, Victorian, female comedians. Inaugural recipients Annie Louey, Alex Ward and double act Urvi Majumdar and Carla Willis received $5,000 grants to help them cover the practical costs of mounting a show at the 2019 Melbourne International Comedy Festival so they could focus their energies on building their skills and making connections to advance their careers.

The initiative has been inspired by the great promise and ambition of Eurydice Dixon, whose too-short life reminds us of many talented women who did not have the opportunity to reach their full, shining potential. The intention of the grant is to support the creative ambition of a new generation of female artists and to assist the recipients to achieve their professional dreams.

The Premier was thrilled with the three shows supported by the grants in 2019 and is looking forward to discovering the next round of talented female comedians for 2020. Melbourne International Comedy Festival is currently accepting applications from interested parties and up to three grants will again be given out to female identifying, Victorian-based performers to help them produce a show in the 2020 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. This funding will enable the women to focus their energies on creating and presenting their new work and maximising the opportunity the Festival offers as an important, career-developing showcase.

Premier Daniel Andrews said:

‘The Victorian Government was proud to work with Eurydice Dixon’s family and the Festival to create this program which honours Eurydice’s life by supporting our next generation of strong, talented women in comedy. Our inaugural Stand Up! grant recipients used the opportunity to take the next steps in their careers. If you’re serious about comedy, and using your voice and talent to create social change, we encourage you to apply.’

Comedians interested in applying for a Stand Up! grant for the 2020 Melbourne International Comedy Festival can email info@comedyfestival.com.au for more information.

Applications close Friday 8 November and recipients will be announced in late November.