The new Victorian Government is honouring its pre-election commitment to diversity and the arts by announcing a $120,000 per year funding increase to (MAV) in the 2011 State Budget handed down earlier this week. The increase is intended to enrich the diversity of arts and culture in Victoria. Multicultural Arts Victoria has in four decades made a unique contribution to the Arts in Victoria and beyond. Victoria provides an example to Australia and the world as a great multicultural success story.
In his Foreword to the publication Giving Voice – a history of Multicultural Arts Victoria Mr Ted Baillieu, Premier of Victoria and Minister for the Arts, acknowledged that “MAV’s support and encouragement for our culturally and linguistically diverse communities and artists has made a significant difference to the arts in Victoria. MAV has successfully harnessed, developed and celebrated the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions present in our arts communities.”
This increase in funding was warmly welcomed by MAV. In a Media Release, Stefan Romaniw OAM, Chair of MAV, said that “The delivery by the Liberal Government on their pre-election commitments will ensure Victoria’s reputation as a model of harmony and diversity through the Arts. MAV is a leader in arts in Victoria and nationally and works towards social inclusion in the arts. The increase in funding will ensure MAV’s important work in this area is supported.”
According to Jill Morgan, Executive Officer MAV, “Multicultural Arts Victoria is a vital grassroots advocate and important voice for our diverse artists and communities. The increased level of government resourcing and support will assist MAV in our important cultural work for the State of Victoria. This additional support is warmly welcomed and will add value to our diverse and unique arts program.”
MAV’s role is to help artists to develop and to find their audiences; to provide forums and meeting places; to encourage discourse; and to connect artists and communities cross-culturally in a complex world. “This additional support will allow Multicultural Arts Victoria to develop our important work,” said Ruth Rentschler, Deputy Chair MAV.
