The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Eltham icon Montsalvat with a history spanning almost nine decades, continues to be a place of inspiration for artists, as well as locals and visitors alike.
Member for Eltham Vicki Ward today announced the grants package totalling more than $380,000, which will help Montsalvat recover from the impacts of the pandemic, deliver programs and upgrade its facilities.
Recognising Montsalvat’s unique position in the state’s creative and cultural landscape, a Sustaining Creative
Organisations grant of $320,000 will help the organisation reactivate, support the local creative community and offer a range of contemporary arts programs.
Part of more than $1 billion in support for creative industries over the course of the pandemic – the Sustaining Creative Organisations initiative has delivered vital funding to some of the state’s most treasured organisations, ensuring they continue to recover and thrive.
Further funding of more than $60,000 has been provided through the Regional Collections Access Program to support upgrades that will help Montsalvat preserve its historic collection for future generations, while creating new opportunities for displaying art in its gallery spaces.
This includes installing museum-standard shelving, improving storage capacity and temperature controls suitable for the care and display of important cultural collections.
Montsalvat was one of 36 museums and galleries across the state to receive a grant through the Regional Collections Access Program, alongside Eltham Library Community Gallery.
This latest support for Montsalvat comes on top of $200,000 in COVID-relief funding provided by the Labor
Government in 2021 to support the organisation during the pandemic.
Founded by Australian artist and architect Justus Jorgensen in 1934, Montsalvat is a unique facility where art is made, taught, and exhibited. Set among gardens on five hectares of land, Montsalvat continues to attract culture-seeking visitors to Eltham.
Quotes attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward
“Montsalvat is such a unique cultural asset in our region, and one that all Eltham residents can feel proud of.”
“This Victorian Government investment recognises the significance of Montsalvat to our state’s cultural landscape and will support new programming, safeguard the collection, and offer new opportunities for artists and visitors.”
Quotes attributable to Montsalvat General Manager Lyndel Wischer
“Montsalvat is delighted to receive such strong supportrecently from both Creative Victoria and Regional Arts Victoria’s major funding initiatives”
“The team and Board are working hard to preserve, protect and present the rich cultural heritage of Montsalvat to new audiences and to support its creative community through a dynamic studio program. This new funding allows strategic direction and cultural programs to continue for the benefit of all Victorians.”
Quotes attributable to Montsalvat Board Chair Dr Catherine Dale
“The Board, our staff, artists and volunteers were delighted to receive such strong support from Creative Victoria and Regional Arts Victoria through these major funding initiatives.”
“We are all working very hard to preserve, protect and renew Montsalvat’s rich cultural heritage for all our diverse audiences, and to support our creative community through dynamic artistic programs and events.”
“This new funding provides vital support for our strategic direction and cultural initiatives for all Victorians”.
Dr Dale also thanked Vicki Ward for her fantastic support. “Like many organisations we are emerging from the devastating impacts of Covid-19 and Vicki has been there with us at every step of the way”
