LABOR WILL HELP TRANSFORM THE MELBOURNE ARTS PRECINCT

A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will invest $35 million to support the new The Fox: NGV Contemporary at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).

Labor’s investment in Australia’s largest arts and culture project shows how important contemporary art is across Victoria and the nation.

The NGV is Australia’s most-visited public art museum, hosting 2.8 million people last year.

Its expansion, delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government, is expected to attract an extra 1 to 2 million visitors every year, and deliver $2.3 billion extra in economic benefit for Victoria.

The Fox will see more than 13,000 square metres of dedicated display space for art – including exhibition galleries, and an expansive rooftop terrace and sculpture garden.

The project will deliver brand new showcases and experiences across The Fox’s 30,000 square metre building – ready to welcome visitors from Victoria and beyond, free of charge.

The Fox: NGV Contemporary will be the cornerstone of the Melbourne Arts Precinct transformation and will connect the wider arts precinct by a new and expansive 18,000 square metres of urban gardens, Laak Boorndap.

During construction, the project is expected to create more than 11,000 extra jobs and employment opportunities.

Melbourne is a global arts and culture capital, and this election commitment demonstrates Labor’s ongoing dedication to Victoria’s creative industries.

Labor is serious about our creative sector and invested a record $880 million more in funding for arts programs and agencies in the 2025-26 Budget than in Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton’s last Budget.

A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will never stop working to ensure our stories are being told through all forms of art.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke:

“Once built, The Fox: NGV Contemporary will be Australia’s largest gallery dedicated exclusively to contemporary art and design.

“We know how important arts and culture is to our community and this funding will showcase Melbourne’s talent to the world.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Macnamara, Josh Burns:

“NGV won’t only be a world-class showcase for Southbank, it will also create wonderful parks, walking paths and open space for locals to enjoy.”

“We are so proud to partner with Victoria to realise this iconic project that will exhibit the very best of contemporary art, in our wonderful community of Southbank.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Cooper, Ged Kearney:

“This investment not only offers a rich and all-encompassing cultural experience, but the design also offers educational studios, a lecture theatre, children’s gallery and scientific laboratories for conservation of artwork.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Wills, Peter Khalil:

“The Fox: NGV Contemporary will be a place where visitors from all over Australia and the world, can gather, socialise and learn through some of the best contemporary art on offer.”

Quotes attributable to Labor Candidate for Melbourne, Sarah Witty:

“I’m proud to be a candidate as part of a Labor team that truly invests in our arts and culture.

“$35 million to deliver The Fox: NGV Contemporary alongside the Victorian Government is a huge win for our creative community right here in Melbourne.”