Supporting vapac to adapt and build for the future

The Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres (VAPAC) has received significant Victorian Government support to pivot their work, adapt their core business and prepare for the future.

Based out of Newham in the Macedon Ranges, VAPAC been named among 78 Victorian arts and cultural organisations that will share in funding totalling $7.85 million through the second stage of Creative Victoria’s Strategic Investment Fund.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP, said the funding is aimed at protecting creative jobs, helping organisations survive the prolonged period of restrictions and supporting some of the state’s best creative companies, festivals and venues to find creative and COVID safe ways to welcome back audiences and earn revenue.

VAPAC’s $85,000 grant will strengthen its capacity to provide industry leadership by adapting its membership service delivery model, embracing new technology and engaging specialised expertise to enable the creation and sharing of information and resources.

The $13 million Strategic Investment Fund Part is part of the Victoria Government’s overall $90 million investment to help the state’s hard-hit creative sector survive the impacts of the pandemic.

Between May and June, Stage one of the Fund provided a total of $5.15 million in immediate sustainability grants to help organisations across the state to cover urgent costs ranging from wages to rent.

For a full list of the organisations supported through stage two visit creative.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP
"The creative sector has been hit hard by the pandemic, and organisations like VAPAC need our support to continue their great work."

"As we move towards safely reopening, we are proud to support VAPAC to adapt to the new normal and build for a stronger future."

Quotes attributable VAPAC Executive Director, Jenny Ryssenbeek
"This funding will allow us to develop creative programs to address the substantial impact of COVID on our network, and provide support to allow venues to maintain their critical connection with our network."