Despite being home to a remarkably productive and vibrant arts and culture sector, the Peninsula has no dedicated performing arts venue to showcase and grow this vital part of our economy.
Our performers, musicians and art loving community need a Performing Arts Centre on the Peninsula.
We know the Mornington Peninsula is a community passionately engaged with the creative arts.
We have the fourth highest participation rate in arts and culture in Victoria:
- 88 per cent of residents regularly attend cultural venues or events
- 44 per cent of residents are actively involved in creative activities themselves.
Our arts sector plays a significant role in attracting eight and a half million domestic and international visitors to the region each year and we want to be able to develop our position on the Peninsula as a leading destination for the Arts in Victoria.
We have more than 30 dance schools, 23 historical groups, 20 community choirs, 10 amateur theatre groups, 54 schools, 350 stakeholder community groups and hundreds of artists - but we lack the facilities to showcase this talent.
We are significantly under-serviced with only one Council-run dedicated arts space (Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery) when compared to municipalities with similar populations.
We are asking the Victorian Government for $500,000 to develop a business case and concept plan for a performing arts precinct.
Demand better. Act now. Visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/SHOUTOUT
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh:
"Our creative community is crying, singing and shouting out for a place to perform. We want to be able to participate in and attend live performances locally. We are asking for a commitment of $500,000 from the Victorian Government to deliver a detailed business case, concept plan and modelling for a creative arts precinct on the Peninsula."
"A flourishing creative sector also contributes enormously to the health and wellbeing of our community – something that was abundantly clear during COVID lockdowns."
"The Peninsula should be leading the way when it comes to arts and culture. We must invest in our arts community, create job opportunities for our performers and musicians and make sure the Peninsula is a premier destination for arts and culture."
