Labor promises $18 million for Jewish Arts Quarter

As campaigning for the May 3 election begins, Labor is fighting to retain the Melbourne electorate of Macnamara with a pitch for the Jewish vote.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles joined local MP Josh Burns today to announce an $18 million investment to support the creation of the Jewish Arts Quarter (JAQ) in Elsternwick.

JAQ is being developed as cultural precinct which will include a relocated Jewish Museum of Australia, a redeveloped Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre and National Library, the new Melbourne Holocaust Museum, and the existing campus of Sholem Aleichem College.

The project is part of the City of Glen Eira’s Elsternwick Cultural Precinct, which will also include a co-working office space for community organisations and non-for-profits, function spaces for celebrations, and creative studios for musicians and artists.

The election commitment of $18 million is unashamedly directed at Jewish voters, who make up 12% of Macnamara. Previously known as Melbourne Ports, it has traditionally been a safe Labor seat but could fall to the Greens, in a part as a result of Jewish disillusionment with the Labor government over Israel policy and antisemitism.

Marles said the investment was part Labor's commitment to multiculturalism and would attract national and international visitors.

“The Jewish Arts Quarter will be a fantastic place for not only the Jewish community to come together, but a cultural hub for everyone to enjoy.

“Australia is a proudly multicultural nation, our commitment of $18 million towards the Jewish Arts Quarter will help contribute to celebrating our diversity and the contributions of Jewish Australians for generations to come,” said Marles.

Referencing the antisemitism experienced by Jewish artists since October 7, Burns said it was important to support to stories and contributions of the Australian Jewish community.

“After months of Jewish creatives being excluded and doxxed, now isn’t the time to hide away – it’s time to invest in Jewish arts, culture and community.

“The Jewish Arts Quarter will be a proud showcase of multiculturalism where people from right across Victoria will be welcomed to enjoy Jewish food, music, arts and culture," said Burns.