Sun shines on In One Voice
Thousands gathered on Selwyn Street for the In One Voice festival, enjoying stalls, crafts and local music.
Thousands came to Selwyn Street for the In One Voice Jewish Street Festival on Sunday, enjoying the sunshine as they perused community stalls, bought arts and crafts and heard from local music talents including school choirs.
Organised by the Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre and National Library (Kadimah) and Skif, the festival is an annual community highlight.
Minister for Small Business and Employment Natalie Suleyman joined the festival, announcing at the Kadimah that the Victorian Government is releasing $2 million through the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to support the Jewish Arts Quarter (JAQ) in addition to its $5 million contribution.
The federal government has provided $18 million towards the JAQ, and the JAQ is currently fundraising for $25 million.
JAQ will include a performing arts theatre, exhibition spaces, shops, cafes and public spaces. It will be the new home of the Jewish Museum of Australia and the Kadimah.
Initial site-readiness works will include demolition of the existing structures at 7 Selwyn Street, Elsternwick. Historic artworks by Karl Duldig will be conserved during redevelopment and incorporated into the new building.
Suleyman said, “I wanted to take the opportunity to personally be here today and show you my support. In particular, to see Selwyn Street, Elsternwick, which is the heart of the Jewish community, and because it will be part of the Jewish Arts Quarter… This is really not just for the Jewish community… this is also for the wider community, for all us to see and have that slice of Jewish life here in the heart of Elsternwick.”
The Minister condemned antisemitism, “I personally stand in solidarity with the Jewish community, and we say no to hate crimes in any form, in every form, in our community, regardless of your postcode, your faith or your culture.”
Deputy leader of the Opposition David Southwick said that JAQ was needed as a safe space for Jewish creatives who had experienced antisemitism but also for the wider community.
“We need JAQ… not only for ourselves, but to be able to educate so many others to come here and see who we are, just like everybody else that thrives on fun, enjoyment, culture, lifestyle,” he said.
JAQ Director Joe Tigel remarked, “It’s a major new chapter in Jewish cultural life, and it begins today at In One Voice, and I want to thank the Victorian government support for providing us with the next stage of the Jewish Arts Quarter”.