- Minister for Creative Industries
Victoria will continue to be the nation’s creative industries powerhouse with more investments that back local talent and jobs across the state.
The Victorian Budget 2019/20 provides $225.5 million to strengthen and grow our $31 billion creative economy for the benefit of all Victorians.
The Budget provides $14 million for Victoria Live, a 10-day state-wide winter music festival to showcase Victoria’s outstanding live music scene and will include a mix of free and ticketed events.
Recognising Geelong as a fast-growing arts hotspot, the Geelong Performing Arts Centre will receive $128 million for the final stage of its redevelopment, which will add three new theatre spaces and state-of-the-art back of house facilities, while doubling overall capacity – just like we promised.
The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Gallery of Victoria will receive $47.7 million over three years to continue its huge annual summer program that has already attracted more than three million visitors through its doors since 2013. This year’s summer blockbuster will celebrate iconic eighties artists Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
A $6.4 million package will support the important work of independent artists and small organisations through the Music Works grants programs, the Creators Fund, key events and initiatives that support regional events and touring.
The Budget also includes $16.5 million for the revitalisation and maintenance of creative spaces across the state. This includes $7 million towards State Library Victoria’s Vision 2020 project, $4.5 million to continue rejuvenating Museum Victoria’s exhibitions, and $5 million to maintain creative facilities.
The Budget provides $2.77 million in operating support for ACMI during its redevelopment.
Support opportunities for our local screen and film industry will also be funded, and the talent of our growing games sector strengthened through a $6.2 million investment, along with a new $3 million Indian Cinema and Bollywood Investment Attraction Fund to improve our links with India and support local jobs.
The Budget gives LGBTIQ communities reason to celebrate with a boost to regional events and funding to plan Melbourne Pride in 2021 – marking the 40th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Victoria. It also includes $800,000 for JOY 94.9 to relocate to the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda.
The Budget provides a strong and creative community base to launch the review of our new Creative State Policy later this year to continue driving our cultural and artistic future.
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“Our creative industries provide jobs for more than 260,000 Victorians and bring in thousands of visitors from around the world. They are central to making Victoria an exciting place to live and visit.”
“By backing our iconic and our growing creative institutions, we’re leading the way as the creative state and raising our international profile as the place to be for cultural events.”
