By Christine de Kock
THE Footscray Community Arts Centre was given a $50,000 funding boost by the State Government last Tuesday.
The money will lift the centre’s annual operational budget to $175,000.
A spokesperson said the money was part of recurrent funding for the centre .
“Whilst not solving all financial difficulties, it gives us a good basis on which to build for the future and takes away the immediate threat of closure which seems to face us each year,” she said.
The Federal Government cut funding to the centre about three years ago, which has resulted in its precarious financial position.
Member for Footscray Bruce Mildenhall said the State Government had “all but replaced the heartless cuts from the Federal Government”.
“We look forward to some more high profile achievements from Footscray Community Arts Centre,” Mr Mildenhall said.
The Big West Festival, an arts festival that is based in the City of Maribyrnong, will also be given $100,000 next year.
The Minister for Arts Mary Delahunty visited the Footscray Community Arts Centre to make the announcement.
“This funding recognises Big West as one of the State’s major arts festivals and will help ensure the sustainability of this wonderful biennial celebration,” she said.
Other arts projects in the municipality to receive funding in include $22,000 for the Women’s Circus and $11,500 for the theatre group Western Edge Youth Arts to buy new equipment.
