By Molly Magennis
Melbourne’s west has received a huge boost to its creative sector, with Footscray Community Arts receiving an $8.7 million investment as outlined in the 2022/23 state budget.
Established in 1974, Footscray Community Arts is one of Australia’s longest running independent arts precincts, and is a pillar for artists and creatives in the west.
On Tuesday May 3, it was announced that the arts precinct would be one of several small to medium-sized organisations that would be revealing upgrades under the state governments Creative Infrastructure Program.
In 2019, Footscray Community Arts commenced a Precinct Plan project with the support of Creative Victoria and Maribyrnong Council to try and understand how creativity and community could be sustained despite rapid growth and gentrification in the west.
The investment will allow the stage one recommendations of the Precinct Plan to begin, which includes converting the precinct’s outdoor amphitheatre into a modern outdoor venue.
This redevelopment will be able to facilitate quality and accessible outdoor experiences as well as honour the First Nations significance of the precinct.
Stage two of the Plan will hope to address the indoor facilities at Footscray Community Arts to ensure the wider community will have access to high-quality, culturally safe spaces.
Executive director of Footscray Community Arts Robyn Gawenda said this significant investment was an important statement from the government.
“This is the biggest one-off investment into Footscray Community Arts ever,” she said.
“The cultural fabric of the western suburbs is built on community connection and creativity, it’s vital that crucial community infrastructure like Footscray Community Arts is championed, invested in and supported as the west booms.”
Creative industries minister Danny Pearson said Victoria’s art galleries, museums and theatres are what brings thousands of people to the state every year.
“We’re backing Victoria’s multi-billion-dollar creative economy so it can keep delivering the jobs Victorians need and the cultural experiences they love.”
