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Footscray Community Arts has launched an urgent fundraising campaign to replace its more than 20-year-old community van, which is now approaching its end of life. The essential transport enables d/Deaf and Disabled artists to take part in the trailblazing ArtLife program to connect with the arts industry, attend workshops, talks, networking, mentoring and leadership events, and meet other artists in Melbourne’s thriving creative communities.

Donate before 31 May and double your impact, thanks to Creative Partnerships Australia! 

“ArtLife is core to what we do here at Footscray Community Arts, says Louisa Carter, Footscray Community Arts ArtLife Manager. As one of the only mainstream art organisations registered as a NDIS provider in Australia, we are passionate about access, equity and creativity. Through the ArtLife program we embed the needs and interests of participants in developing and presenting their arts practice and connecting them to the industry.”

“Each year, our van supports hundreds of artists to connect with the arts industry and the community. However, the current van is more than 20 years old and is inaccessible for many artists, difficult to drive and unreliable. We urgently need the support of our community to replace this vital resource,” says Louisa.

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In 2022, Footscray Community Arts supported 434 paid artists and hosted 14 residencies across a suite of 895 events. ArtLife Residency Artists Emily Dober, Pamela Debrincat, Thomas Miller, Ibby Ibrahim, Diego Pizarro, Steven Tran and Megan Hunter have dedicated multidisciplinary artistic practices, working towards ambitious, high-impact public projects, including two major exhibitions by Pamela and Megan at the centre later this year.

In conversation with the community, the van significantly impacts the artists’ experiences with Footscray Community Arts. In fact, for some artists the van is the only means of transport to the centre, and other neighbouring art centres, galleries, and venues.

[ HELP US GET A VAN ]

The fundraising campaign is supported by the Federal government’s Creative Partnerships Plus1 initiative that will match the funds raised, thereby doubling the impact of every dollar donated. On 31 May all funds raised towards the $50,000 target will be matched by Creative Partnerships Australia, allowing Footscray Community Arts to invest up to $100,000 in a new van that will include access enhancements such as a wheelchair lift.

On Saturday 6 May Footscray Community Art is hosting a Makers Market and ‘giving day’. The day of creativity and generosity will contribute towards the fundraising campaign.

All donations above $2 are tax deductible and can be made at https://chuffed.org/project/we-need-a-new-van

[ KEEP OUR ARTISTS ON THE ROAD ]

With gratitude,  

Footscray Community Arts  on behalf of our artists

For more information:
Louisa Carter, Acting Executive Director / Co-CEO: louisa@footscrayarts.com

Media Enquiries:  Michaela Hall – 0419 113 633   michaela.hall@bigpond.com