Media Release

Footscray Community Arts has welcomed a significant funding commitment from the Australian Greens, with a $4.85 million pledge to support the organisation’s precinct transformation.

The announcement signals strong federal advocacy for Footscray Community Arts’ vision to deliver a landmark gallery and expanded cultural hub in Melbourne’s west. The proposed investment would fund a comprehensive business case, ongoing community consultation, and detailed design plans.

As the first major gallery in Melbourne’s west, this transformation would future-proof Footscray Community Arts, providing affordable tenancies for creative organisations and artists while boosting jobs, tourism, and liveability in the region.

“This commitment from the Greens brings vital visibility to a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Melbourne’s western suburbs,” said Daniel Santangeli, CEO of Footscray Community Arts. “For over 50 years, Footscray Community Arts has been at the heart of the West’s cultural life. But urgent infrastructure revitalisation is needed to meet rising demand driven by rapid population growth.”

Senator for Victoria, Steph Hodgins May, welcomed the opportunity to back the the west’s creative communities in a site visit and tour of Footscray Community Arts – committing Greens support for this initiative in the next term of government.

This federal investment would enable Footscray Community Arts to take the next steps in realising a transformative vision for its precinct, one shaped through deep community consultation and a longstanding commitment to equity in the arts.

A not-for-profit, community-led precinct, Footscray Community Arts supports over 500 artists annually, welcomes more than 100,000 visitors, and provides over $3 million worth of free creative space to artists each year—cementing its place as a cornerstone of Melbourne’s west.

Meeting the Moment for Melbourne’s West

Melbourne’s west is undergoing rapid change. In 2019, the Victorian Government designated Footscray as one of six Priority Precincts, triggering major investment in education, health, and civic infrastructure. Private development has also accelerated, with Maribyrnong’s population expected to grow by 60% by 2041.

The vision for a landmark gallery and revitalised precinct was laid out in a 2024 Master Plan developed by Footscray Community Arts in partnership with Maribyrnong City Council. The transformation is already underway, with a new outdoor performance space—funded by the Victorian Government in a vital 2022/3 investment of $8.75m—due to open later this year.

Warehouse Redevelopment to Landmark Gallery – Digital Renders: MGS Architects & Narrative Graphics

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Nishika De Silva  / nishika@footscrayarts.com