Local uni to host ‘Fanposium’ ahead of Taylor Swift’s Australian tour
RMIT University is the latest to join the Taylor Swift bandwagon ahead of the pop star’s Australian tour dates next month, announcing its free ‘Fanposium’ event at Melbourne’s Capitol Theatre on 11 February.
The event will feature presentations from music and culture researchers, as well as a screening of Swift’s 2020 Miss Americana documentary.
Marking the start to a week of festivities ahead of Swift’s arrival in the Victorian capital, the Fanposium will also be the kick-off event to the three-day Swiftposium academic conference at the University of Melbourne.
It comes as Swift’s highly anticipated Era’s tour hits the five-week countdown for its Australian stopover, starting with the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 16 February.
Experts have forecast that the tour will bring a $140 million boost to the Australian economy, even as consumers look to pull back spending.
It’s a testament to the strength of the Taylor Swift brand, with demand for Swift-themed events seemingly unwavering.
Businesses reaping the rewards of the extravaganza extends beyond the expected tourism categories, as fans from across the nation flood into Melbourne and Sydney – the only Australian cities to make the Eras tour cut.
For fans in want of a bootleg Eras tours experience, local businesses have ensured there are plenty of options, from Swift-themed bottomless brunches, trivia events, and pub nights. Retailers are also looking to benefit, stocking new ranges of sequined and rhinestoned apparel that evoke Swift’s onstage wardrobe.
The media and marketing industry has been no different, with experts everywhere taking cues from Swift’s domination. Last month News Corp produced a one-off Taylor Swift magazine special, while Nova launched a dedicated 24/7 Taylor Swift radio station, Nova (Taylors Version).
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