Speak Percussion and Wantok Musik have received significant Victorian Government support to pivot their work, adapt their businesses and prepare for the future.

The organisations, based in the Northcote Electorate, have been named among 78 Victorian arts and cultural organisations that will share in funding totalling $7.85 million through the second stage of Creative Victoria’s Strategic Investment Fund.

Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous said the funding is aimed at protecting creative jobs, helping organisations survive the prolonged period of restrictions and supporting some of the state’s best creative companies, festivals and venues to find creative and COVID safe ways to welcome back audiences and earn revenue.

Speak Percussion in Thornbury has been awarded $87,000 to pivot their work and support local artists and presenters to produce online high-quality art.

Wantok Musik, a local not-for-profit music label that records, releases and promotes music from Indigenous Australia, Melanesia and Oceania, has been awarded $22,000.

The $13 million Strategic Investment Fund Part is part of the Victoria Government’s overall $90 million investment to help the state’s hard-hit creative sector survive the impacts of the pandemic.

Between May and June, Stage one of the fund provided a total of $5.15 million in immediate support to help organisations across the state to cover urgent costs ranging from wages to rent.

For a full list of the organisations supported through stage two visit creative.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous

 “Northcote is home to so many creatives – that’s why I won’t stop working to get them the support they need to keep making their amazing art.”

“This new funding will help ensure our amazing local organisations continue to not only survive, but adapt and plan for the future.”