Arts View is Arts Victoria's quarterly newsletter profiling the arts in Victoria.
Volume 2, Issue 3
September 2001
Table of contents
Current issue of Arts View
Previous issues of Arts View
Minister's
Message
This edition of Arts View gives me an opportunity to highlight a number
of recent important developments within the arts portfolio.
In late June, the Premier announced that the Government would fund the
development of a $40M high tech film and television studio facility in
the North West precinct of the Melbourne Docklands. This represents the
last building block needed to position Victoria as a major centre for
film and television production and has been applauded by the industry.
The studio operator will be appointed and the design completed by the
end of this year. Construction will commence early next year and the facility
will be ready to roll in 2003.
The studio commitment builds on the Government's previously announced
initiatives to drive new growth and investment in the film and television
industry. This will be a major boost for Victoria's creative infrastructure
and will deliver considerable economic and cultural benefits for the State.
Another initiative that will have long-term advantages is the establishment
of the Arts and Education Reference Group to explore synergies across
my two ministerial portfolios.
The Reference Group will consult key stakeholders, organisations and individuals
with experience in both the arts and education sectors, and will draw
on relevant research from the UK and the USA to recommend initiatives
for a more rigorous and creative approach to arts education in Victorian
schools.
The work of the Group relates strongly to the Government's priorities
of fostering a knowledge society and building more cohesive communities
and will have a profound impact on future generations of Victorians.
On 1 July the State Orchestra Of Victoria became an independent, self-governing
organisation after a 15-year partnership with the Victorian Arts Centre.
I'm delighted to see the Orchestra setting out with full independence,
to pursue its artistic aspirations and enhance its community profile.
These are exciting times for the State Orchestra of Victoria and I wish
Don Mercer and the Board, Peter Garnick and staff and the musicians all
the very best.
Many of you have been involved in the consultations for the development
of a 10-year plan for the arts in Victoria, coordinated by Arts Victoria.
In an Australian 'first', Arts Victoria has established an e-consultation
process to allow any group or individual who may not have been 'captured'
by the round-table forums, submissions and other discussions, to have
their say on the future direction of the arts and cultural activity.
I encourage you to let your colleagues, members and friends know about
this process so that we can be sure that all those who wish might contribute
to the vision and strategies for the arts.
The developments I have outlined will all provide lasting benefits for
Victoria and progress the Government's objectives to ensure a creative
and viable arts sector in the State.
The Hon Mary Delahunty MP
Minister for the Arts
Table of contents
Previous issues of Arts View:
Volume 2, Issue 1 - February 2001
Volume 2, Issue 2 - June 2001
