$400,000 grant for Jewish Museum
THE Jewish Museum of Australia's (JMA) Jewish history gallery got a boost this week, with the State Government announcing a pledge of $400,000 towards its upgrade and a new online learning portal.
THE Jewish Museum of Australia’s (JMA) Jewish history gallery got a boost this week, with the State Government announcing a pledge of $400,000 towards its upgrade and a new online learning portal.
Announced by Victorian Minister for the Arts Peter Batchelor and Member for Prahran Tony Lupton, the grant will go towards the upgrade of the musuem’s permanent exhibition to be named in honour of former governor-general of Australia, Sir Zelman Cowen.
“It is a fitting tribute to Sir Zelman Cowen, a great Victorian, pre-emininet figure in Australian Jewish life and founding patron of the museum,” Batchelor said.
The minister described the JMA as “one of the top community museums in the country”.
“It’s a living, breathing, active cultural centre and a valuable educational resource,” he said. “These are two exciting and transformative projects for the JMA and that’s why we are pleased to contribute $400,000.”
Launched to coincide with Sir Zelman’s 90th birthday late last year, the project had a target of $1.4 million, something Batchelor described as “ambitious”. He quickly added that this was “underestimating the ambition, guts, generosity and support” of the community, who he acknowledged for raising the first $700,000.
“This brings the museum to within $300,000 of the target,” he said. “Work can commence.”
While Sir Zelman was in hospital and not able to attend, his wife, Lady Anna, sister June Helmer and daughter Kate represented him. Batchelor wished Sir Zelman a “refuah shleimah”.
Lupton told of his personal appreciation for the museum.
“We recognise the importance of celebrating and preserving the rich and diverse stories of Victoria’s communities,” he said. “I commend the Jewish museum for leading the way.”
The announcement was JMA director Rebecca Forgasz’s first official engagement, four weeks into her new role. “It is the largest gift I have ever received and I promise to spend it wisely,” she said, adding that she hopes it will “inspire the community to continue to give generously”
DALIA SABLE
PHOTO: Victorian Arts Minister Peter Batchelor and JMA director Rebecca Forgasz with visiting students from Sacred Heart Girls College Oakleigh
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