Labor’s $18 Million to Jewish Arts Quarter in Melbourne

Get The AJN Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up

The Federal Government has announced an $18 million funding commitment to the Jewish Arts Quarter (JAQ) in Elsternwick, Melbourne, positioning the precinct to become a national celebration of Jewish culture and heritage.

This was matched within two days by the opposition Coalition.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Macnamara MP Josh Burns unveiled the significant contribution on Monday, describing the investment as “overdue” recognition of Jewish Australians’ contributions to the nation.

“This is going to make it happen,” said Marles. “To have a precinct which is a celebration of Jewish life and culture in Australia, in many ways, is a long time coming. It’s unfinished business.”

The landmark project will transform Selwyn Street into a cultural hub housing several key institutions including the Jewish Museum of Australia, the Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre and National Library, the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, and Sholem Aleichem College.

Marles emphasised the precinct would serve the broader Australian community as well as the Jewish population.

“Selwyn Street [will be] not just a place of congregation for the Jewish community, but really a place that all Australians will come to to experience the very best of Jewish culture,” he said.

The announcement comes at a significant moment for the Australian Jewish community, with both politicians acknowledging the rise in antisemitism in recent years.

“The last couple of years have seen a rise of antisemitism in Australia. It’s been for me, it feels very confronting, I’m sure, for the Jewish community, who are living through this every day, it’s just been terrible,” Marles said.

“Throughout history, in the most difficult times, in the darkest of places, Jewish people have embraced arts and culture as a matter of pride, as a matter of defiance, but really a stubborn determination to pursue the joy and the essence of life.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles. Josh Burns MP. Gideon Kline, Director of JAQ. The Deputy Prime Minister announced at the Kadimah centre, that if Labor is re-elected, they will commit $18M to the Jewiswh Arts Quarter. Photo: Peter Haskin

Burns, whose electorate  the precinct is in, expressed a personal connection to the project.

“It’s almost a bit emotional… the institutions that we’re talking about. They’re the institutions that I grew up in,” Burns said. “This is almost above politics. This is a moment where actually we can stop and think, ‘Well, what are we doing for the community to set us up for the future?'”

The Deputy Prime Minister described the commitment as complementary to similar cultural precincts in Melbourne, comparing it to Lygon Street for the Italian community and Lonsdale Street for the Greek community.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday Shadow Minister for the Arts, Senator Claire Chandler, said a Coalition Government led by Peter Dutton would also invest $18 million in the project.

Liberal Candidate for Macnamara, Benson Saulo said the $18 million investment reflected the Coalition’s strong support for Australia’s Jewish community.

“Since October 7 no part of Australian Jewish life has been untouched by the raise of antisemitism, particularly artists, creatives and businesses. Victims of doxxing have experienced a direct assault on their privacy, their professions and their sense of community.” Mr Saulo said.

Liberal candidate for Goldstein, Tim Wilson said the Jewish Arts Quarter would have an equally beneficial impact for Goldstein’s Jewish community.

“This investment is all about embracing Australia’s vibrant Jewish community, which has contributed so much to Australian society ,” Mr Wilson said.

“The precinct will showcase Jewish art, history, and cultural exhibits, and be a place for all Australians and those visiting our country to connect and learn about Australia’s Jewish community.”