Residents and artists on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula are facing a crisis as the local council abruptly cuts crucial arts funding. The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s decision to eliminate $480,000 in arts grants, including the Performing Arts Development Fund and Creative Development Fund, has sent shockwaves through the community and arts sector, particularly impacting independent artists.
The sudden funding cuts have sparked outrage, with over 300 people gathering outside the Council offices in Rosebud to protest the decision. Additionally, a petition urging the Council to reverse its resolution and reinstate full funding has garnered more than 2300 signatures, reflecting the widespread concern over the detrimental effects of the cuts on the Peninsula’s vibrant artistic community.
Penelope Gebhardt, the curator and founder of Spill Projects, expressed deep concern over the repercussions of the funding cuts, emphasizing the significant role these grants have played in fostering growth and unity within the arts scene. She highlighted the economic and social ramifications of scrapping the grants, warning that such actions could tarnish the Peninsula’s reputation as a hub of art and culture.
Independent filmmaker and writer, Heather Forbes-McKeon, citing research from A New Approach, underscored the broader societal benefits of supporting the arts. She emphasized the arts’ capacity to strengthen communities, foster empathy and inclusion, combat isolation, aid in recovery from trauma, and enhance the overall livability of cities and regions.
Alan Long, director of MP Music Network, emphasized the pivotal role of a thriving arts scene in shaping the Peninsula’s identity and boosting the local economy. Long highlighted how the grants have been a lifeline for numerous local artists, musicians, events, and organizations, underscoring their indispensable contribution to the cultural and economic vitality of the region.
Claire Thorn, Executive Producer of Flinders Fringe, lamented the direct impact of the slashed funds on the creation of new artistic works, including the acclaimed production “Sea Wolves Howl.” Thorn pointed out that while the festival may still receive funding from other sources, the lack of support for artists’ development jeopardizes the festival’s viability. She criticized the Council’s decision-making process, decrying the lack of consultation with the arts sector.
The repercussions of the funding cuts extend beyond the immediate financial losses, with the community expressing concerns about the long-term implications for the arts and culture scene on the Mornington Peninsula. The outcry from artists, residents, and cultural organizations underscores the vital role that arts funding plays in nurturing creativity, fostering community engagement, and enriching the social fabric of the region.
As the battle to save arts funding on the Mornington Peninsula intensifies, the future of the local arts scene hangs in the balance. The collective efforts of artists, supporters, and advocates to reverse the funding cuts reflect a deep-seated commitment to preserving the Peninsula’s artistic heritage and ensuring that creativity continues to thrive in the face of adversity.
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