Seventeen not-for-profit arts and culture organizations across Victoria will receive funding to make arts and culture venues safer and more accessible, thanks to a $400,000 investment from the city.
Not only does the city’s Art and Culture sector contribute $435.8 million to the local economy and employ 5,588 people in the city, it also attracts investments and tourists!
The funding, a Cultural Infrastructure Grant, includes $250,000 in annual funding to support upgrades to performance and rehearsal spaces, as well as one-time funding of $150,000 for accessibility upgrades to make venues safer and more accessible for artists and audiences.
The grants include funding to assist art organizations to add elevators to venues such as Open Space and White Eagle Hall, upgrade LED lighting systems in Baumann Centre and Aliz Golden Hall and staging and shared office improvements at Theatre Skam’s Arts Hub on Broughton.
Technological improvements to lighting and sound equipment will greatly enhance the overall experience for audiences as well as reducing operating costs for organizations.
“The arts and culture sector was hard-hit by the pandemic and high market rents continue to make it challenging for these groups to thrive,” said Mayor Lisa Helps.
“Affordable and accessible cultural facilities are an essential part of the community. The Cultural Infrastructure Grant program helps organizations make much needed infrastructure improvements and ensures all Victorians can benefit from arts in our city.”
Other projects include improvements to exhibition standards at visual art and museum spaces, new exhibition displays at The Gage Gallery in Bastion Square and new digital displays at the Point Ellice House.
You can see a full list of grant recipients and projects online here.
