Labor promises $2m to Jewish Arts Quarter
JAQ is a first for the Jewish community in Australia where some of the community’s leading arts and cultural institutions will be able to come together in one location
The Jewish Arts Quarter (JAQ) has welcomed a s $2 million pre-election commitment from Victorian Labor towards construction of the new high profile contemporary cultural and arts community facility in Elsternwick, should the government be re-elected this weekend.
The announcement is another important funding milestone for the project and brings the government’s commitment to $7 million.
Lior Harel, Labor candidate for Caulfield, said, “I am thrilled a new elected Labor Government will also support the establishment of a new Jewish Arts Quarter in Elsternwick, a first-of-its-kind precinct that will be a hub for hospitality, music and entertainment in Melbourne’s southeast.”
Gideon Kline, JAQ Director and board president of the Jewish Museum of Australia: Gandel Centre of Judaica said, “We are extremely grateful to the Victorian Labor Government for continuing to invest in arts, culture and multiculturalism.
“We see this commitment as recognition of the importance of the Jewish Arts Quarter and the opportunity for it to benefit and enrich the cultural tapestry of the local and wider Melbourne communities for decades to come”.
Born from a spirit of collaboration, JAQ is a first for the Jewish community in Australia and a once-in-a generation opportunity where some of the community’s leading arts and cultural institutions will be able to come together in one location.
JAQ’s founding partners, the Jewish Museum of Australia: Gandel Centre of Judaica and the Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre and National Library, will be centrally located in JAQ, enabling both organisations to be revitalised and re-imagined and present world class exhibitions, unique performances and cultural programming experiences. They will be joined by many other communal organisations in this brand-new facility.
Joe Tigel, JAQ Director and President of Kadimah said, “We look forward to welcoming many more arts and cultural organisations to JAQ – each bringing their own unique cultural offering to add to the diverse mix of organisations and visitors that will come together to create a vibrant destination in the heart of Elsternwick.”
JAQ will serve as a drawcard and a celebration of multiculturalism providing a meaningful addition to the community’s cultural landscape as well as generate a significant boost to the local economy including jobs, events, exhibitions whilst promoting the importance of inclusion and diversity.
Kline said, “We anticipate JAQ will provide a deep and meaningful educational experience which will promote deeper understanding, respect and diversity – and create pathways to greater social harmony and cohesion.”
Tigel added, “We wish to celebrate and contribute to our cultural tapestry like Lygon Street and its thriving Italian community, Oakleigh’s Precinct celebrating the Greek culture, and Chinatown in Melbourne’s CBD.”
JAQ will continue to focus on engaging and enlisting the support across all levels of government and the philanthropic community and is grateful for this boost to the project.
Kylie Appel, Head of Engagement at JAQ said, “With many more milestones to come, JAQ will continue to focus on engaging and enlisting the support across all levels of government and the philanthropic community. Already achieving early success with seed funding from Gandel Foundation, the JAQ team will continue working hard to engage visionary philanthropists, as well as securing further funding and support from State and Federal Governments.”.
In its first year alone, JAQ is expected to attract well over 100,000 visitors and increase tourism to Melbourne. JAQ anticipates opening its doors in 2025.
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