$32.5 million for Victorian Arts

The Victorian Government is to make a major investment in Victoria's film studios, festivals and to securing future cultural icons.
Victorian Minister for the Arts, Peter Batchelor, said that the 2010 State Budgetâs investment in the arts sector would mean the Stateâs thriving cultural reputation would continue to grow.
Minister Batchelor stated âthe Brumby Labor Government understands how important the arts are to our community and our lifestyle, thatâs why we are continuing to invest in the Stateâs cultural assets.
âVictoria is known as Australiaâs cultural capital, but this is more than just an identity â the arts sector makes a significant contribution to our economy, employment and tourism.
âDespite the global economic downturn, last year saw a surge in arts activity, from blockbuster exhibitions, to record attendance and ticket sales.
âThe arts funding announced in the 2010 State Budget will ensure that the arts sector can build on this success and continue to meet the needs of audiences and performers and attract interstate and international visitors.�?
The 2010 Victorian Budget invests:
⢠$4.4 million over four years to support the Melbourne International Film Festival â Australiaâs largest film festival and its premier fund and market program, 37° South.;
⢠$4.4 million over two years for the Docklands Film and Television Studios;
⢠$2 million for a Childrenâs Television Fund for more production for the ABC3 dedicated kids channel;
⢠$1 million over two years, bringing the total fund to $2 million to continue the successful Digital Media Fund, which encourages the development of digital media, console and online games â a growing local industry with high commercial potential;
⢠$7.5 million for Scienceworks;
⢠$1 million for the Melbourne International Comedy Festivalâs 25th birthday;
⢠$2.4 million over two years for the State Library of Victoria;
⢠$3 million over one year for the Living Libraries Program;
⢠$2.6 million for Victoria Rocks, a program supporting contemporary musicians and groups;
⢠$3 million towards securing a new home for Circus Oz at Collingwood;
⢠$250,000 to support the establishment of a new peak body for music â Music Victoria; and
⢠$3.9 million to create a new childrenâs space at the National Gallery of Victoria purpose-built for kids, together with improved exhibition spaces for its Asian collection, as part of its 150th birthday celebration.
Victorian Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings added that the State Government was investing $7.4 million over four years towards programs to support the recently-released Victorian Screen Industry Strategy.