Premier

Victoria – Australia’s creative state

02 May 2017

Victoria’s reputation as Australia’s cultural capital will be further cemented with a significant investment boost for local talent and local jobs.

The Victorian Budget 2017/18 includes $106.6 million to strengthen our $23 billion creative and cultural economy, benefitting every Victorian, whether they work in or enjoy our creative industries.

The National Gallery of Victoria will receive $28.7 million to continue its wildly successful Summer Program, which has attracted more than 5 million visitors over the last four years, including record numbers of tourists.

The record-breaking 2015-16 summer exhibition Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei alone generated $25.1 million for Victoria. The funding will also support the development of the gallery’s permanent exhibitions and the management of the state collection, comprising 73 000 artworks.

The Andrews Labor Government will also invest $40 million for major maintenance works for Arts Centre Melbourne, including replacing the State Theatre’s decades old flying system, critical to the staging of 200 performances each year. Security systems and other core infrastructure will also be upgraded.

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image, the busiest film cultural centre in the world, will receive $5 million for the first stage of its redevelopment. In addition to developing designs for a major physical and technological overhaul of the Federation Square attraction, funding will also improve the current Flinders Street entrance.

$10.7 million will go to supporting Australia’s largest and longest running film festival, the Melbourne International Film Festival, the Indian Film Festival, and a diverse array of other film festivals across the state.

Melbourne’s position as Australia’s music capital will also be boosted with $250 000 for a major international music convention, and the creation of the Australian Music Vault at Arts Centre Melbourne, a $10 million national hall of fame celebrating Australian music.

The Budget also includes $5 million for the revitalisation of historic spaces, including the Russell Street precinct, as part of State Library Victoria’s Vision 2020 redevelopment, as well as support for the establishment of an Australian-first creative industries podcasting facility at the Wheeler Centre.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley

“From drawcard exhibitions to programs for kids and families, our state’s creative culture is enjoyed by every Victorian.”

“Our galleries, museums, libraries and theatres bring thousands of people every year to our state, helping grow our economy and create jobs.”

“This investment will keep Victoria as the creative state – and continue to raise our profile as a global cultural destination.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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