ROAM Geelong to return in 2027 following $2.3 economic boost
Geelong's inaugural ROAM festival will return in 2027 after the one-day event delivered a $2.3 million economic boost.
Geelong’s inaugural ROAM festival has injected $2.3 million into the local economy as 16,000 people flocked to the city.
On October 11, the city’s arts and cultural precinct transformed into a walkable playground of immersive stories, installations, music and theatre.
From Johnstone Park to the laneways and Little Malop St, multi-sensory art and roving performers drew steady crowds in a vibrant day-to-night celebration of creativity.
Almost a quarter of attendees travelled from outside the region to visit the one-day festival, with about 10 per cent staying the night in Geelong, according to the City of Greater Geelong.
A post-event survey, completed by about 300 people, found the average attendee spent $63 at the festival, while those staying overnight spent an average of $221 in the city.
City of Greater Geelong CEO, Ali Wastie said ROAM Geelong offered rich local storytelling and cultural exchange between artists and audiences.
“A thriving cultural scene enhances liveability and strengthens our economy,” Ms Wastie said.
“Geelong’s creative industries contribute an estimated $756 million to our Gross Regional Product and support about 7,900 jobs.
“Participation in culture also builds inclusion, improves wellbeing and fosters connection, particularly for children, young people and First Nations communities.”
The program brought together a wide mix of local, national and international artists. Highlights included the lighting of Blanck Canvas’s Falcon giant puppet, Bluebird Foundation’s The Featherlings, multicultural performances in Global ROAM and Dr Paola Balla’s Gathering Place created in partnership with local First Nations artists.
Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the event was a resounding success.
“This first-time event was designed to cultivate cultural tourism, celebrate local stories and strengthen community partnerships,” Mayor Kontelj said.
“We were thrilled to welcome strong crowds from across the region, Melbourne and regional Victoria, further cementing Geelong’s reputation as a Clever and Creative UNESCO City of Design.”
With a strong community response and increased interest from across Victoria, the festival is set to return in 2027, with plans already underway to expand the program and footprint.
More Coverage
Originally published as ROAM Geelong to return in 2027 following $2.3 economic boost
Geelong students farming to tackle food insecurity crisis
