The Andrews Labor Government is making an $85 million multi-year investment to secure the future of local creative organisations and creative workers, including in Northcote. 

Kat Theophanous MP, Member for Northcote today congratulated four Northcote creative organisations that are among 113 across the state to share in the funding which will power the recovery of the state’s creative industries, increase equity and inclusion in the sector, and create new art and jobs.

Local creative organisations Arts Project Australia, Gertrude Contemporary, Multicultural Arts Victoria and Speak Percussion have received a combined $2,942,000 million in support over the next four years, recognising the important contribution they make to the creative and cultural life of the region and state.

“Northcote is proudly home to a large, dynamic creative community which has for many years contributed to the vibrancy of our suburbs, creating jobs and making the inner north an amazing place to live”, said Ms Theophanous.

“Having worked closely to support our local creative industry over the past two years, I know these workers and businesses have been among some of the hardest hit during the pandemic”.

“This funding, alongside our other landmark investments into the creative industries, are working to deliver more certainty in these uncertain times and ensure a bright, bold future for creative workers in Northcote.”

Delivering on the Labor Government’s four-year Creative State 2025 strategy, this funding package opens up Creative Victoria investment to new and diverse organisations, across a broader array of creative sectors than ever before.

Arts Project Australia, based in Westgarth, supports artists with intellectual disabilities, promotes their work and advocates for their inclusion in contemporary art practice. They will receive $400,000 over the next four years.

Gertrude Contemporary, located in south Preston, is a leading incubator of contemporary art – providing a work and exhibition space for artists to pursue their ambitions. They will receive $798,000 over the next four years.

Multicultural Arts Victoria, based out of the Northcote Town Hall, champions culturally diverse artists and communities to generate new work and promote intercultural understanding. They will receive $1.34 million over the next four years.

Speak Percussion in Preston is an internationally recognised leader in the fields of experimental and contemporary classical percussion music. They will receive $400,000 over the next four years.

The funding will enable organisations to create new work, employ people, present shows, offer creative opportunities and experiences for Victorians, and weather the continuing challenges of the pandemic.

The funding, which supports organisations over either four or two years, has been provided through the new Creative Enterprises and Creative Ventures programs. Providing further certainty in uncertain times is additional funding through the Sustaining Creative Organisations COVID recovery program.

For the full list of funded organisations, visit the Creative Victoria website at www.creative.vic.gov.au.