For the third year in a row, Melbourne Festival will once more join forces with Multicultural Arts Victoria to present Igniting Imaginations, a project that builds dynamic new bonds with Melbourne’s culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, and brings exceptional artistic talent from Australia’s emerging, indigenous and refugee communities to the stage.

For 2014, Igniting Imagination will embrace a vibrant new program of performances, creative workshops, industry engagements, and public programs.

With Achilles Yiangoulli representing the Greek Australian community, this year’s Festival Ambassadors are leaders in their artistic practice and Melbourne’s diverse communities.

Achilles Yiangoulli is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer, currently performing with ensemble Rebetika. He was founding member of ARIA-award-wining group The Habibis with whom he played at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. He has produced numerous orchestral and choral works for artists including Mikis Theodorakis, Manos Hatzidakis, Stelios Tsiolas and Irine Vela.

Melbourne Festival will be hosted from 10 to 26 October. For more information about the project and events, visit www.multiculturalarts.com.au/events2014/igniting.shtml or www.melbournefestival.com.au