$29 million investment in Arts initiatives

Victoria's arts, creative and cultural sector, will be backed with $28.9 million in new funding delivered in the 2013-14 Victorian State Budget.

Introducing the funding, Victorian Minister for the Arts Heidi Victoria stated "Victoria will continue to innovate and lead the way in the arts with further investment in exciting new visual and performing arts programs, strengthening of the independent arts sector, supporting ambitious new directions at key cultural institutions and maintaining and improving the State's cultural infrastructure.

"From large blockbuster events to innovative grassroots creative activity and top-class facilities, Victoria has a diverse and healthy arts scene that contributes to the liveability, prosperity and international profile of our State. This Budget recognises the importance of our arts and cultural sector as a driver of innovation, cultural tourism and the economy.

"The Arts are an integral part of Victoria's culture and lie at the heart of our communities. The Coalition Government has invested $4.5 million over the next two years to enable the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) to introduce a new summer season of major exhibitions and programs, with a focus on contemporary art and design.

"In the same way that the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series has, over the last decade, changed the face of winter in Melbourne and been a proven hit with Victorians and visitors, this new summer series is set to invigorate summer in the city.

"The series will commence this summer with Melbourne Now' the most ambitious exhibition to date focused on local contemporary artists, and in fact the largest curated exhibition in the NGV's history.

"This exhibition will shine a bright light on our local creative talent from art and design, to architecture, music, film and fashion."

The NGV will also receive $4 million in capital funding to renew its gallery spaces at both NGV International and NGV Australia, including improving the visitor experience, creating a new exhibition space and illuminating the St Kilda Road gallery façade at night.

The Victorian Government will also invest $2.5 million over the next year to strengthen the independent arts sector seen as the engine room of the arts in Victoria. This will include an additional $1 million per annum for Arts Victoria's new Organisations Investment Program and other strategic initiatives.

Minister Victoria added "this program will support a range of arts and cultural organisations that play a critical role in delivering programs and events, supporting artists, driving artistic innovation and engaging audiences across the state."

Other arts initiatives in the 2013-14 Victorian State Budget include:

$5 million for the Arts and Cultural Facilities Maintenance Fund which supports maintenance works at State-owned arts facilities that house a range of Government and non-Government arts organisations;

$4 million over two years for programming at Arts Centre Melbourne, including mainstage performances, family and education programs, and free and low cost events;

$3 million over two years to build organisational capacity at the State Library of Victoria, during a period of rejuvenation;

$2.9 million to upgrade assets at the Public Record Office Victoria to ensure the safe-keeping of and enable access to Victoria's important records and heritage; and

$250,000 over the next two years to enable Music Victoria the State's peak body for contemporary music to champion, promote and support Victorian music.