Ready to start construction
Victorian government releasing $2 million towards its next stage of delivery.
Plans to build a Jewish Arts Quarter (JAQ) in Elsternwick have been given a significant boost with the Victorian government releasing $2 million towards its next stage of delivery.
Preparation works to support the demolition of 7 Selwyn Street will make way for JAQ – marking the project’s transition from vision to action.
The funding, which was announced in 2023, confirms that JAQ has entered the construction readiness phase. This investment forms part of sustained Victorian government support over time totalling $7 million. This funding follows an early site visit in 2023 by Minister for Small Business Natalie Suleyman MP, and reflects the government’s commitment under the Supporting our Multicultural Traders and Precincts initiative.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said in a staement, “JAQ is a project that means a lot to us here in Victoria. It’s not just a cultural space but a place that celebrates the Jewish community’s heritage and opens the door for everyone to experience and appreciate Jewish arts, music, food and history.
“It’s a step towards a more inclusive and vibrant community, reflecting Victoria’s values of multiculturalism and respect.”
“This funding enables the Jewish Arts Quarter to move confidently into the next phase – focused on early works, coordination and site readiness ahead of construction,” said Joe Tigel, JAQ director and Kadimah director.
“It sends a clear signal that the project is ready for delivery.” The federal government has also committed $18 million toward JAQ.
“The next phase now calls for philanthropic leadership to help deliver the vision and hence our community partners capital campaign,” said Gideon Kline, director of JAQ and co-president of the Jewish Museum of Australia. “With planning well advanced and significant government backing secured, this moment marks a shift from possibility to responsibility – an imperative for donors to help realise a once-in-a-generation Jewish cultural legacy project that will strengthen Australia’s creative life and civic fabric and deeply enrich Jewish life.”
JAQ is fundraising $25 million through its capital campaign.
JAQ was spearheaded by the Jewish Museum of Australia: Gandel Centre of Judaica and the Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre and National Library, and it will be the home of these institutions as well as others.
The development of this landmark comes at a time when many Jewish artists have felt rejected by the Australian arts scene, as documented by the Monash Initiative for Rapid Research into Antisemitism report.
JAQ sees itself as a cultural response – to provide Jewish artists with a space for cultural safety, strengthening Jewish participation in Australia’s shared cultural life.
It is dedicated to Jewish arts, history, education and intercultural exchange, benefiting the Jewish community and the wider Australian public.
JAQ said that with foundational support from the Gandel Foundation and the Erdi Foundation, and with Victorian and federal government backing now secured, it has reached a critical moment.
Head of engagement Kylie Appel told The AJN, “This is the moment when belief has to turn into action. The government has shown confidence in the Jewish Arts Quarter – now it’s up to our community and our donors to decide what future we’re prepared to stand behind.
“Opportunities like this come once in a generation. If we don’t build this future now, we risk losing it altogether.”
Learn more: www.jaq.melbourne
JAQ team members from left: Gideon Kline, Kylie Appel, Monica Kempler, Joe Tigel, Ben Mand, Amanda Smorgon.
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