Tuesday, 4 February 2025

 Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (19:09): (974) The adjournment matter I wish to raise is for the Minister for Creative Industries and concerns the Creative Projects Fund. The action that I seek is that the minister provides further information on how the Creative Projects Fund will support artists in my electorate of Narre Warren South.

We know that Victoria has a tremendous reputation as the creative state, with excellent galleries, theatres, music, events and entertainment that draws crowds from across the country and indeed from around the world. The Allan Labor government recognises the importance of supporting homegrown creative talent and is committed to backing both new and established Victorian artists, groups and organisations to develop new work across all disciplines. The arts are so important for the social fabric of our communities, and we need to ensure that they represent and entertain our vibrant state. I know many in my community of Narre Warren South would be excited to see new art and performances as well as installations and theatre much closer to home.

My previous life in music and indeed the arts included some time as a performer as well as an educator. I fully understand the pressures and the hard times that performers can go through, especially at the beginning of their careers, but I also know the joy and the excitement that music and the arts can bring to not only the performer but audiences as well. It is so important that we keep making connections that not only express the human spirit and expose the soul but also are reflective of our common experience. I look forward to sharing the minister’s response with my community.