Rally: State Library Victoria 4.30pm Monday 9th November

Dont't Break Our Arts

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PRESS RELEASE 2/11/26 from Crystal Stubbs, Director East Gippsland Art Gallery

Our Arts Matter – Stand With Us!

I am gutted. And I know my colleagues across the arts sector are too.

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For more than 35 years, East Gippsland Art Gallery has relied on Victorian Government funding to support our work, our artists and our community.

Just two weeks before Christmas last year, we were advised that we would only be funded for two years, rather than the expected four year CEP funding.

This is not simply a funding decision. It puts the future of regional arts, artists, creative opportunities and community connection at risk.

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But look at what we have delivered in the past 12 months.

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East Gippsland Art Gallery has:

• Presented 21 exhibitions, including 13 solo and six group exhibitions, showcasing the work of 72 professional artists.

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• Delivered 72 children's gallery and school workshops, 36 in the Gallery and 36 in schools across East Gippsland, including as far as Mallacoota reaching 1,287 children.

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• Launched our SkillUp Youth Arts program, supporting 21 young creatives over 10 months to develop their artistic skills and gain an understanding of the professional arts industry.

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• Continued delivering community engagement at special community and education pathway events.

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Our State Government funding represents 33% of East Gippsland Art Gallery annual operating budget. Losing this support will have detrimental consequences.

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And we are not alone. Across Victoria, many galleries, arts organisations, peak bodies and cultural institutions will be de-funded.

I have remained quiet about our funding cuts until now. But following our AGM, it is time to speak up.

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East Gippsland represents 14% of Victoria. Our communities deserve access to arts, culture and creative opportunities.

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I am asking our artists, supporters, audiences, community members and everyone who believes in the value of the arts to stand with us. Let's make our voices heard. Let's stand together for our gallery and fellow regional art galleries, our artists, our creative industries and the next generation of creatives.

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Let's demand a commitment to restore and grow arts funding.

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Because the arts are not an optional extra. They are essential to East Gippsland, our identity and our future.

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Please join me, members of the board and gallery staff this Monday on the steps of the State Library Victoria to demand renewed investment in the state’s arts sector

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DON’T BREAK OUR ARTS!

Where: State Library Victoria

When: 4.30pm Monday 9th November

https://dontbreakourarts.org/.../join-our-rally-for-the-arts