By Matthew Sims
The Victoria Day Council has honoured the work of the Footscray Community Arts Centre as part of its official Victoria Day celebrations.
FCAC received the Victoria Day Award for the Arts on Friday, July 1.
Victoria Day has marked a celebration of the state’s independence and the rich history it has enjoyed since separation from New South Wales on July 1, 1851 for 171 years.
As part of celebrations, the Victoria Day Council awarded individuals and groups who have made significant and valuable contributions to Victorian communities.
FCAC chair Julia White said it was significant for FCAC to be recognised after what has been a challenging period of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions.
“We congratulate the Victoria Day Trustees for their foresight in recognising the power of the arts by having a dedicated arts award category,” she said.
“The creative industries in Victoria has navigated two very challenging years of the pandemic, and recognition of this kind is incredibly important in building visibility and access to the arts in this state.”
FCAC co-chief executive Daniel Santangeli said the award marked an important step in the ongoing story of the centre.
“This award is a recognition of a significant cultural legacy left by artists, unionists, meat workers and activists who established Footscray Community Arts in 1974 and the ongoing impact we generate in collaboration with artists and community,” he said.
Victoria Day Council chairman Tony Cree said he was “thrilled” to recognise the efforts of all award recipients during the day, which also included Victorian of the Year award recipient Kevin Sheedy and Young Victorian of the Year award recipient Julia Kay.
“On behalf of the Victoria Day Council, I thank them and congratulate them on their truly outstanding achievements and the great work they have done,” he said.
During 2021, FCAC paid more than 525 artists, 77 per cent of whom identified as First Nations, CALD, LGBTQIA+ and/or persons with a disability and delivered 926 events, including 12 exhibitions.
