More creative workers, community members and visitors are set to enjoy creative programs and events at Burrinja Cultural Centre for years to come, with the Labor Government backing the vibrant community centre on its 25th anniversary.
Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino announced the $50,000 grant to support Burrinja as a drawcard creative destination for artists, the community and visitors to the region – supporting more local jobs and talent.
“Burrinja Cultural Centre is a unique and vibrant creative hub and a drawcard destination for the region and we’re helping Burrinja host more events and programs that support local artists and the whole community,” she said.
The grant will help Burrinja create new, unique creative programs and events and add to its already diverse program of performances, including the launch of a new ‘in residence’ program where creatives from across the state can work and learn on site at Burrinja.
Burrinja Cultural Centre creative director and chief executive officer Gareth Hart said they were thrilled to receive this support from the Victorian Government.
“Our in-residence program is a new program for Burrinja, that will invite professional independent companies from around the state to be in residence at the centre, to create new work with, for and alongside the local community. We are very excited to launch this in 2024,” they said.
The residencies will be on offer to two creative organisations each year – attracting and supporting Victorian talent and bringing to life new artworks.
The centre features multiple gallery spaces, artist studios, a 400-seat theatre, meeting spaces and a world class collection of Indigenous and oceanic art.
Burrinja is a major cultural hub for the Dandenong Ranges, with more than 50,000 people visiting the centre each year to enjoy one of the 400 events on offer annually.
Part of its roster of events is the Dandenong Ranges Open Studios Exhibition, which last year celebrated its 20th year with a program featuring 44 studios and more than 50 artists.
In the months ahead, Burrinja will host performances by The Umbilical Brothers, Eric Bibb, Arj Barker and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow while also opening soon is a survey exhibition of Victorian Printmakers, Not Your Kitchen Lino.
For more information visit burrinja.org.au
