Tuesday, 31 October 2023

 Chris CREWTHER (Mornington) (19:10): (405) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Creative Industries. The action I seek is for the minister to better fund and support the arts, cultural and events sector in the Mornington electorate.

In the Mornington electorate we are blessed with talented organisations and individuals who run art studios, workshops, events, exhibitions and festivals. I can name several examples that highlight our amazing arts, cultural and events sector. There is Spare Parts Art Space, which is an art space that offers workshop spaces for emerging artists and art classes for all ages, which my kids really enjoyed taking part in on Sunday, doing prints, painting Halloween masks and more.

Mount Eliza North Primary School holds the renowned Mount Eliza Art and Design Show. Grace and I attended their opening night on Friday, and my kids and I took part in their kids art zone on Sunday. Having started in 1978, this was their 44th show. It is one of the biggest events on the Mount Eliza calendar, showcasing the work of local artists and young talented students.

The Main Street Mornington Festival encompasses the Mornington Peninsula cultural lifestyle, showcasing music, arts, food, wine, entertainment and more. I went to the festival earlier this month, after its closure during lockdowns and during the 2022 year due to funding, volunteer and logistics issues. I had secured a commitment of $200,000 from an elected Liberal–Nationals government to support this festival and see it move to a two-day event. However, unfortunately this commitment still has not been matched by the Labor government.

There is also the U3A Mornington Visual Art Show, which also has a marvellous array of photographs, acrylics, watercolours and drawings capturing the unique talents of local artists. I was impressed with the skill on show at the official opening I spoke at this month.

Also, we have the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, which acquired its first artwork in 1970. The gallery has grown to have over 1900 objects, including drawings, paintings, sculptures and more. They also have historical artworks capturing Mornington Peninsula’s cultural heritage. It is hosting the Archibald Prize 2023 regional tour until 5 November, which I recently joined the opening of. It is great to see the Young Archie prize, featuring artworks by Mornington Peninsula primary and secondary school students. It is also running preschool programs, school holiday workshops led by Archibald Prize 2023 finalists and more.

There is also the Neds Peninsula Cup, which I am really looking forward to going to this Sunday. It is our time to shine in the Spring Racing Carnival calendar, and it is great to wear this horseracing tie, which I was given by a local Brit to wear particularly for this speech this evening. I can go on and on about local events to support, but lastly, I will mention cultural activities run by groups like the Mount Eliza Chamber of Commerce, who have been hosting a Halloween hunt at Mount Eliza village. Happy Halloween to all those kids out tonight.