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Date: 7 May 2002
The State Budget has delivered an extra $28.8 million for arts and infrastructure projects and
$70.6 million in capital funding, Arts Minister Mary Delahunty said today.
The boost will be delivered over five years to build on the outstanding cultural assets of Victoria.
"The Bracks Government's commitment to building stronger, caring communities is a major focus of our 10- year plan for the State's future, Growing Victoria Together," Ms Delahunty said.
"And we believe that cultural resources are one of the basic building blocks of prosperous and
strong communities.
"The State Government's cultural facilities and collections, valued at more than $2 billion, are
assets that we have a duty to maintain and develop for all Victorians.
"This extra $100 million will create more opportunities for community participation and
engagement with the arts," she said.
The extra operating funding comprises:
- $17.2 million over four years to Melbourne Museum to promote visitor experience, improve
research and maintain new exhibitions and collections;
- $2.8 million over four years to small State-owned facilties including the new contemporary
arts precinct in Sturt St, Southbank and the Heide Museum of Modern Art for operational costs and arts projects;
- $2.7 million over two years towards the world- leading Victorian Electronic Records Strategy
(VERS) managed by Public Records Office Victoria;
- $4.1 million over four years to the State Library of Victoria to open redeveloped spaces;
- An additional $2 million over four years for Arts Victoria's highly successful Regional Arts
Infrastructure Fund (RAIF) to support the development of arts facilities in regional Vic toria.
The capital funding comprises:
- $2.7 million over two years to Scienceworks Museum to refresh exhibition spaces;
- $5.5 million over two years to establish the Victorian Electronic Records Strategy;
- $8.4 million over four years to enhance facilities at the iconic Victorian Arts Centre ensuring
the best possible access for visitors and artists;
- $54 million over five years towards the $61 million Yarra Precinct Arts Integration Project to
build the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Recital Hall and a home for the Melbourne Theatre Company in Southbank.
"The contributions to the Melbourne Museum, State Library of Victoria, the Victorian Arts
Centre and Scienceworks represent a serious commitment to lifelong education in Victoria," Ms
Delahunty said.
She said those institutions provided programs that directly linked the school curriculum with
stimulating performances, exhibitions and activities.
"These are perhaps our most exciting classrooms, they capture the imagination and encourage a
sense of exploration in our children," she said.
Ms Delahunty said the Government's support for the contemporary arts precinct in Southbank
and the Heide Museum of Modern Art, would ensure they delivered groundbreaking contemporary art performances, exhibitions and education programs.
"We have resolved long-standing concerns about the need for dedicated facilities for chamber
music and the Melbourne Theatre Company, providing $54 million over five years.
"This significant investment consolidates the Yarra Arts Precinct and completes Australia's most
exciting arts and entertainment precinct.
"As well as contributing to our tourism industry, it will showcase the work of Victorian artists,
and say to the rest of the world this is a great place to live, work and do business.
Ms Delahunty said that the Bracks Government was committed to securing opportunities for all
Victorians and would expand the highly successful Regional Arts Infrastructure Fund.
"We are improving the arts in regional Victoria and delivering top class venues so that people can
participate in the arts no matter where they live," she said.
"Whether it is a new cultural centre in Shepparton or a theatre in Echuca, this fund means greater
access for all Victorians and fantastic assets for regional centres."
Ms Delahunty said the fund had already provided $17.5 million to 68 regional projects which, in
partnership with local government and the community, were worth more than $52 million.
The $8.2 million investment in Victorian Electronic Records Strategy would help confirm
Victoria as a leader in knowledge-based industry, she said.
"This world-beating system will ensure that the digital information of the Victorian Government
is securely managed and accessible. Regardless of where they live, Victorians will be able to
access public records ranging from birth certificates to planning documents," she said.
"The arts are important to Victorians. More than 60,000 people are employed in the arts in
Victoria, one in 10 Victorians volunteers time and energy to the arts and more than 4.2 million
people participated in an arts activity in the past year," she said.
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