The Andrews Labor Government will back 90 of the state’s small, medium and independent arts organisations with more support for the sector to fuel Victoria’s creative economy and arts industry.
Regional festivals and Indigenous arts companies are among those receiving increased support in the 2017-2020 round of Creative Victoria’s Organisations Investment Program – which received a boost this year as part of the Government’s Creative State strategy.
Among the new entrants to the program are:
- Shepparton’s Indigenous art organisation Gallery Kaiela
- Indigenous opera company Short Black Opera
- Newport’s dynamic multi-arts venue, The Substation
- Multicultural youth arts organisation, Outer Urban Projects
- The Museum Of Australian Democracy at Eureka in Ballarat
Small, medium and large arts organisations will benefit from a share of $113 million over the next four years to help underpin their operations.
The overall portfolio of organisations supported spans the state and includes museums and galleries, music, theatre, circus, dance and opera companies, festivals and literary organisations. Peak industry bodies and service organisations are also in the mix.
They reach a broad cross-section of the community, including children and youth, people with a disability, and culturally and linguistically diverse artists and audiences. Many tour extensively and have national and international reputations for creative excellence.
Applications were assessed by eight independent panels of experts across the visual and performing arts, theatre, literature, festivals, dance, music, community cultural development and heritage, based on artistic merit, quality of services and contribution, and organisational capacity.
Priority was given to supporting more vulnerable organisations that are delivering strong creative or cultural outcomes: more than 20 per cent of organisations are regionally based, 10 per cent are Indigenous and 10 per cent are dedicated to working with young people.
For the full list of recipients visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“Independent arts organisations are a driving force of our creative industries. They have incredible reach and impact, providing creative opportunities across the state and showcasing Victorian talent around the globe.”
“There is a huge mix of organisations supported in this funding round. Together they are expected to employ 2,300 people, reach an audience of over 6 million and provide a high quality creative and cultural offering for Victoria.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020