$1.5 million backing for Islamic Museum of Australia

This week's Federal Budget confirmed $1.5 million in funding to support capital works for the creation of the Islamic Museum of Australia in Melbourne.

The announcement followed Yusuf Islam - the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens - attending the opening of the museum's first exhibition - a documentary and photographic essay, entitled 'Boundless Plains'.

Speaking at the exhibition opening Federal Arts Minister Simon Crean and Multicultural Affairs Minister Senator Kate Lundy announced the funding, with Senator Lundy stating "the Islamic Museum of Australia will help to foster understanding and promote community harmony and social inclusion.

"It will serve to educate the wider Australian community of the rich and longstanding history that Islam has had in our nation.

"Here in Melbourne, the Museum will join a rich tapestry of cultural institutions celebrating the contribution of Greek, Italian, Jewish and Chinese communities."

Minister Crean said the Islamic Museum of Australia would make a significant contribution to the cultural life of our nation, adding "culture is incredibly important to understanding ourselves better, not just as individuals, but as a nation.

"Australia is uniquely placed. We have one of the oldest living cultures on earth and we continue to attract the greatest diversity of cultures on earth.

"That is why we are proud to be involved in this partnership for community cultural development."

The 'Boundless Plains' exhibition, held at a temporary venue in the Melbourne suburb of Thornbury, traces the journey of museum founder Moustafa Fahour and three other Muslim men into the outback to explore the history of Islam in the country.

Yusuf Islam provided the soundtrack for the Boundless Plains film.

Yet to be build the Islamic Museum of Australia is scheduled to open next year on the site of a former water-bottling warehouse on the banks of the Merri Creek.

The $10 million project is now only $500,000 off its target.

For details about the Islamic Museum of Australia project, visit islamicmuseum.org.au

Image: Artist's impression of the planned Islamic Museum of Australia.

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