Victoria’s cultural and creative industries have hit a high note in Beijing, with an historic agreement struck between the Victorian Government and the People’s Republic of China.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Culture Mr Luo Shugang today signed a five year Cultural Exchange Agreement that will enable the exchanges of festivals, creative partnerships, tours and artist in residence opportunities.
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is already planning a wide-ranging collaboration with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, and today a trio from the MSO was on hand to perform at the Ministry of Culture headquarters in Beijing.
The new agreement also focuses on exhibition and collection loans, staff and resource exchange, and sharing cultural, performing and artistic experiences.
Over the first year of the partnership, China and Victoria propose to deliver cultural activities, including tours of China by the Australian Ballet and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and the establishment of a Chinese film festival in Melbourne.
Victoria is the only Australian state to sign an agreement with the national government of the People’s Republic of China, due largely to Melbourne’s reputation as the country’s arts and culture capital.
The agreement is expected to boost Victoria’s creative and cultural industries, which employ more than 220,000 Victorians and represent almost ten per cent of the state’s total economy.
Our creative industries generate more than $1 billion in exports and cultural tourism every year. This contributes to Victoria’s liveability, making the state an attractive destination for new global talent and investment.
Quotes attributable to Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews
"Whether it's music, performing arts, exhibitions or providing the opportunity for artist and staff exchanges, there's so much we can learn from each other through a unique agreement like this."
"Melbourne's arts and cultural events calendar is already the most envied in the country and I look forward to the exciting additions that will stem from our new cultural ties with China."
Quote attributable to Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chairman Harold Mitchell
“This is the right time to be signing a cultural agreement with China. Victorian culture has never looked so appealing. The state has so much to offer the world through its arts and cultural programming.”
“The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has shown itself to be a true leader and following on from the concert broadcasts in China earlier this year, it has built a greater awareness and appreciation of Melbourne’s unique and world-renowned take on classical music.”
Quote attributable to Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Managing Director André Gremillet
“This is an important moment for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as a flagship cultural ambassador.”
“We are pleased to be planning a wide-ranging collaboration between the Shanghai and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras which will greatly benefit both orchestras and their community. This cultural agreement is the first step in a very exciting direction for the Orchestra and the State of Victoria.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021