Arts Minister Lynne Kosky said St Kilda has long held an attraction for artists and is renowned as one of the creative hubs of inner Melbourne, in Victoria.

“The arts organisations supported cover contemporary arts, music, cross-art form collaborations, theatre and community development,” Ms Kosky said.

“They reflect a diverse and creative artistic, cultural and intellectual community here in St Kilda.”

Ms Kosky said the Linden Centre for Contemporary Arts, Aphids Events Inc and Rawcus Theatre Company all received funding to support their operations, create new work or collaborate with regional communities

“These organisations deliver dynamic and innovative arts programs for the local community and beyond, and contribute to the overall diversity of the arts in Victoria,” she said.

Member for Albert Park Martin Foley MP said cash grants would be given to the Linden Centre for Contemporary Arts ($75,000) Aphids Events Inc ($50,000), and Rawcus Theatre Company ($30,000) through the highly competitive Annual Operations program.

“The Annual Operations program provides significant operational support, including funding for salaries and administrative overheads, to enable the organisations to do what they do best – whether it is supporting and promoting contemporary visual art, exploring the link between music and new technology, or working with artists with disabilities,” Mr Foley said.

Iconic theatre organisation, Theatreworks received $400,000 in funding through Arts Victoria’s Organisations Program, securing their support until the end of 2011.

In addition to the organisational funding, Rawcus has received a $20,000 Arts Development grant to develop a new performance work – Small Odysseys. Aphids Events has also received a second grant of $40,000 through the Community Partnerships program to undertake a residency in Shepparton. They will work with schools and the local African community to explore the nexus between traditional music making and new media technology.

Mr Foley said the Brumby Government was committed to supporting arts and culture in communities across the state.

“I am delighted that we have been able to continue the longstanding creative spirit of the St Kilda area. Art can express and celebrate community identity, generate and explore new ideas,” he said.

“Between them these arts organisations reach and engage a wide range of participants and audience members, within the inner city, across the state and beyond.”