By Benjamin Millar
A professional sound recording studio and two rehearsal studios will be built at Footscray Community Arts Centre under a Labor pledge if it forms government after the May 18 Federal election.
The $500,000 promise, announced at FCAC on Tuesday afternoon, will give emerging and established musicians in Melbourne’s west low-cost access to the new spaces for practicing and recording.
The ‘music hub’ will be built in the iconic and wheelchair-accessible Henderson House building, ensuring they can be used by people of all abilities.
Footscray Community Arts Centre chief executive Martin Paten said FCAC is committed to live music programming and producing in Melbourne’s west as part of its long term strategy.
“This Federal Labor election commitment would enable the Centre to support the development of two accessible rehearsal studios and a professional sound recording studio in FCAC’s iconic Henderson House building,” he said.
Shadow Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said while Melbourne’s inner west is a recognised arts and cultural centre for Melbourne, there is a lack of affordable and accessible music development spaces available to emerging, established and community musicians.
“The commitment we have announced today is aimed at boosting every aspect of Australian music,” he said.
“We want Australian music to be heard, Australian artists to stay in the industry and the next generation to be inspired.”
The $500,000 pledge is part of Labor’s $28 million Soundtrack Australia Music Policy.
Gellibrand MP Tim Watts said the investment at FCAC will make music accessible to more people in Melbourne’s west.
“By supporting an important venue like FCAC, the Music Hub will become a high-quality place to develop, practice and record music that is accessible to emerging artists, regardless of their financial circumstances.
“We believe in what our songwriters, musicians, performers and music industry do. We think it matters. Our Australian soundtrack matters. Let’s turn up the volume.”
