Cade Lucas
The western suburbs first major public gallery could be built in Footscray if the Greens win the seat of Fraser or hold the balance of power following the federal election.
On Wednesday, Greens Fraser candidate Huong Truong and Victorian Senator Steph Hodgins-May, announced a plan to invest $4.85 million towards the development of a gallery at the Footscray Community Arts centre.
If delivered, the money would fund a business case, community consultation and design plans for the gallery.
Ms Truong, who is hoping to overcome a 16 per cent margin and win Fraser from Labor’s Dr Daniel Mulino, said building the gallery and redeveloping the arts centre was important because creative industries were the lifeblood of the electorate.
“Footscray Community Arts has spent decades empowering local, diverse artists through their programs, employment and creative spaces,” she said.
“This is a critical opportunity for arts and culture in the west, with the vacancy of the former Big Fish site and the centre’s partnership with Maribyrnong council.
“This timely $4.85 million investment will help transform its precinct and expand its cultural and social impact.”
Senator Hodgins-May said the gallery funding pledge was also a reason to vote for Greens senate candidates like herself.
“With Greens in the balance of power, we’ll fight to keep Dutton out and push Labor to put our communities first,” she said.
The Greens funding commitment comes on top of $8.7 million provided by the state government for the current redevelopment of outdoor spaces at the arts centre.
It’s not yet clear how the Greens proposal would fit with the centre’s current redevelopment which commenced in November.
Footscray Community Arts chief executive Daniel Santangeli said the Greens commitment could help deliver a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Melbourne’s western suburbs.
“The first major public gallery in Melbourne’s west would future-proof our precinct and support affordable tenancies for creative organisations and artists,” he said.
“It will keep the local area creative – while growing jobs, boosting visitation and enhancing liveability.”
Mr Santangeli said new and upgraded infrastructure was urgently needed at the arts centre to meet rising demand driven by population growth.
Dr Mulino’s office was contacted,
