Outgoing MIAF artistic director Jonathan Holloway. Credit:Joe Armao

Melbourne International Arts Festival will cease to exist as we know it when the state government merges it with White Night for a new winter festival from next year.

Billed by Creative Industries Minister Martin Foley as Victoria’s “sixth major event” alongside blockbuster sporting attractions, the yet-to-be-named festival follows in the footsteps of Vivid and Dark Mofo, which have revived tourism in Sydney and Hobart respectively during the colder months.

MIAF chair Tim Orton said Melbourne's version would be “intrinsically Melbourne”.

“It’s not like Vivid, it’s not like Dark Mofo, this is clearly a Melbourne festival,” he said.