News

Coming Together for Tomorrow. 

Footscray Community Arts needs your support to raise $70,000. 

The opening of the new Lango stage, a new outdoor community-led performance venue, means we are currently standing on the edge of something monumental for Melbourne’s west. This new venue will sit on re-Indigenised green space that is rooted in a connection to and honouring of Country.

As often happens with big transformations, we’ve encountered unexpected challenges along the way and now, we need your help to get us over the final hurdle – We have to raise $70,000 to complete the final touches of the outdoor performance space.

This means features like:

• Accessible pathways throughout the riverside lawns

• Native grasses, tree plantings, and rain gardens designed to care for Country and support biodiversity while preserving green space for community use

• A custom-designed fire bowl by Moorina Bonini, created in collaboration with neighbouring blacksmith forge, Waterside Metal Art, which will provide a dedicated space for First Nations storytelling and smoking ceremonies

These features will embed cultural practice at the heart of the precinct and Footscray Community Arts legacy for generations to come.

Why do Footscray Community Arts need to raise this money?

Let’s go back to the beginning: Did you know that before Footscray Community Arts was established in 1974, this site was an industrial and livestock hub?

Fast forward to early 2025, construction finally commenced on our long-awaited Precinct Revitalisation Project, but during the initial groundworks, we discovered that below the surface of the riverside lawn and our beloved amphitheatre, were materials from the site’s former life. These findings set us back significantly, both financially and with our construction timelines, due to the extreme costs to remove the newfound materials from the construction site.  

Now, we have to raise $70,000 to complete the final touches of the outdoor performance space, which will help us realise the full scope and vision for the re-Indigenised green space. This includes features like accessible pathways throughout the riverside lawns, native plantings to contribute to the re-Indigenisation of the green space, and a ceremonial fire bowl for First Nations community.

By donating, you won’t just be funding materials for the stage. You will be:  

• Creating a place where families can gather and celebrate, together.

• Building a much needed cultural landmark the West can be proud of for generations.

• Welcoming the communities we centre to fully experience art, culture, and community

• Opening the door for community groups and artists to share their voices on one platform, with state of the art equipment in a space that honours the land and sky in which we gather.

The new outdoor space is part of a transformation investment from the Victorian State Government and Maribyrnong City Council, which celebrates our 50-year legacy and provides a new, state of the art outdoor music venue for Melbourne’s West. The architecture and design of the stage reflects extensive consultation with Footscray Community Art’s Indigenous Advisory Group and our local communities, ensuring that accessibility and cultural perspectives, and connection to Country have been embedded throughout the space.

Designed by MGS Architects, with landscaping by Simone Bliss Landscape Architects, this space will be community-led for free or low-cost live music and community events, creatively ambitious performances, markets, and cultural ceremonies. Working alongside the architects is Yorta Yorta, Wurundjeri and Wiradjuri artist, Moorina Bonini, who is integrating her artwork into the landscape and architectural design of the new outdoor stage, Lango.

This stage is about building a legacy that says Melbourne’s West deserves the best.

As a thank-you, donors to the following impact tiers can receive: 

Impact Tier 1: Donations over $250

• Recognition on Footscray Community Arts’ social media and website (opt-in).

Impact Tier 2: Donations over $600

• You will receive a Personalised Token Gift.

Impact Tier 3: Donations over $1500

• You will receive a special behind-the-scenes tour of the renovated outdoor performance space before its public launch, plus all previous rewards.

Impact Tier 4: Donations over $5000

• Your legacy donation will be permanently acknowledged on the new stage, with your name listed on the ‘Stage Supporters’ Plaque, plus all previous rewards.

We are so close to finishing construction but we need your help to get us over the finish line. Please donate today, knowing that you’re contributing to the living legacy of community and creativity at Footscray Community Arts.

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

Media Release

A Day of Empowerment, Transformation, and Celebration for Women of the African Diaspora

9 November 2024, 9am—5pm

The Black Wealth Connect Women’s Summit: Metamorphosis is set to be a powerful day of transformation, empowerment, and celebration, honoring the resilience and strength of women from the African diaspora. With a focus on financial literacy, this event highlights economic empowerment as a key driver for personal and collective growth.

Through a dynamic and thoughtfully curated program, attendees will participate in thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, and inspiring keynote speeches by influential voices in the community. The event will also feature a vibrant showcase of African art, live performances, and pop-up stores offering diverse products from across the diaspora. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, collaborate, and connect on pathways toward empowerment and success.

THEME: Metamorphosis

The theme for this summit, Metamorphosis, symbolises the transformative journey of women in the African diaspora. This theme embodies the spirit of overcoming challenges, embracing growth, and emerging stronger through the power of community support.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

The Black Wealth Connect Women’s Summit is open to individuals from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about creating meaningful dialogue around topics such as financial literacy, mental health, and community building. This one-day summit is designed especially for:

• Female entrepreneurs
• Business leaders
• Educators and mentors
• Community leaders
• Artists and creatives
• Health and wellness advocates

While the summit centers on key issues related to equality and representation, we warmly welcome individuals of all genders and backgrounds to join us in working towards an inclusive and equitable future for all.

POWER CHATS:

This summit features a lineup of inspiring speakers, each a trailblazer in her field:

Yemi Penn – A fearless businesswoman and thought leader on the power of self-determination, Yemi Penn encourages women to “write their own script” and pursue personal empowerment. A successful entrepreneur with a background in engineering, she explores the transformation of pain into power, inspiring attendees to ignite their curiosity and break boundaries in every aspect of life.

Dr. Morley Muse – As a Chemical, Environmental, and Renewable Energy Engineer, Dr. Muse brings extensive experience in STEM leadership, policy, and entrepreneurship. Co-founder of iSTEM Co., she is dedicated to advancing opportunities for women in STEM, providing a wealth of knowledge on navigating traditionally male-dominated fields.

Emmagness Ruzvidzo – A multi-award-winning Brand and Marketing Strategist, Professional Coach, and Keynote Speaker, Emmagness has over 15 years of experience in building iconic brands and driving business growth. Her insights will empower attendees to harness brand power and create lasting impact.

EVENT PARTNERS:

The Black Wealth Connect Women’s Summit: Metamorphosis is co-presented by Black Wealth Connect, Next in Colour, and Footscray Community Arts as part of the Future Reset: Diasporic Dreaming project. This project is supported by VicHealth through its Future Healthy initiative.

Join us for this transformative day and become part of a collective journey towards empowerment, resilience, and celebration.

Date: 9 November 2024, 9am—5pm
Location: Footscray Community Arts, 
45 Moreland Street Footscray

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Sara Asgedom  / sara@footscrayarts.com

Article

Our Disability and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) for 2022-2025 has been developed in close collaboration with the community, reflecting our commitment to integrating accessible ways of working, developing, and presenting art.  

The DIAP is a comprehensive roadmap designed to ensure that all aspects of our operations and programs are inclusive and accessible to everyone. 

Methodology and Community Involvement 

To create this plan, we engaged with over 133 individuals from the d/Deaf and Disabled community, as well as staff, our Board, and other stakeholders. This involved access audits by disability-led organisations Loom Consultants and Arts Access, community feedback through an Open Day and digital surveys, and numerous conversations with individuals to gather advice and insights. 

Participants emphasised the importance of continuous engagement and feedback, ensuring accessibility is an ongoing effort, and the need for spaces where artists can focus on their creative work without the added burden of advocacy. This input has guided our focus areas and actions. 

Key Goals and Focus Areas 

Our Disability and Inclusion Action Plan sets out several key goals: 

• Leadership – We aim to support the leadership of d/Deaf and Disabled artists and workers, ensuring they have opportunities to lead and influence our organisation. 

• Team Culture – Developing a team culture that prioritises access at all levels, ensuring that every staff member understands and commits to these principles. 

• Human Rights – Championing human rights by improving access and being considerate and consistent in our efforts. 

• Inclusive Access – Ensuring access is inclusive across the communities we prioritise, including First Nations, culturally and linguistically diverse, LGBTQIA+, and d/Deaf and Disabled artists. 

• Continuous Improvement – Continuously reviewing, listening, engaging, and collaborating with d/Deaf and Disabled artists, workers, and audience members. 

Commitment to Leadership and Communication 

We are committed to ensuring d/Deaf and Disabled leadership across our organisation. This includes providing training for all staff on disability and access, reviewing and updating policies to embed accessibility, and improving HR processes to support employment and advancement of community. 

We will develop strong communication strategies for audiences and artists, invest in relationships, and work with consultants to evaluate and improve our communication methods, ongoing. 

Enhancing Creativity and Experience 

Our plan also emphasizes supporting artists in their creative endeavors. We will improve project management workflows to embed access at every stage, ensuring our processes are artist-led. Additionally, we aim to provide a cohesive and consistent approach to delivering accessible experiences for visitors and industry professionals, including precinct-wide upgrades to our facilities.  

Achieving Our Goals 

We will regularly review our progress, engage with our Board and staff annually, and publish our achievements on our website. We commit to inviting and analyzing feedback from the community year-round, so please get it touch. 

Join Us on This Journey  

Footscray Community Arts invites everyone in community to join us on this journey towards greater inclusion and accessibility.   

Together, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape for all. 

For more information about our Disability and Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2025 visit this webpage here.

Media Release

An exhibition exploring the sexual politics of disability

12 June—15 September 2024, Footscray Community Arts

Footscray Community Arts presents a new exhibition, Sutures, by Naarm-based artist Sophie Cassar. On display at the Roslyn Smorgan gallery from 12 June to 15 September, Sutures offers a reflection on desirability politics and the influence of the medical and sexual gaze.  

Sutures emerges from Cassar’s research into online archives of disability-based fetish material. Making reference to niche bondage practices, these works document a performative role-play where plaster casts and leg braces are adopted to imitate the immobilisation of physical disabilities

Through video, artist books and a series of photographs, Cassar explores the exchange of power and consent when a patient submits their body to medical intervention. These works confront the ambiguous distinctions between medical intervention and non-consensual touch.

Artist books featured in the exhibition place photographs from Cassar’s personal archive alongside texts painted in chlorhexidine, a medical antiseptic used for preoperative skin disinfection. This pairing explores the idea of a “perpetual girlhood”, underscoring the persistent intrusion of medical treatment in shaping one’s sexuality and self-perception. 

Sophie Cassar is an artist based in Naarm/Melbourne. Her practice responds to cultural representations of illness and disability through image and text. Recent works have been developed through research into collective disability politics and intergenerational knowledge exchange. Cassar’s work has recently been included in exhibitions at Adelaide Contemporary Experimental, KINGS Artist-Run, Bus Projects and Perth Institute of Contemporary Art.

Footscray Community Arts provides platforms for communities whose stories and experiences are underrepresented in the arts and cultural sectors. Sutures addresses a unique perspective that draws on issues of disability, the medicalised body and sexual politics.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body, and Maribyrnong Council’s Western Artist Mentorship Program, with project mentor, Jane Trengove.

Exhibition Dates: 12 June—15 September 2024
Location: Roslyn Smorgan Gallery, Footscray Community Arts, 
45 Moreland Street Footscray

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Michaela Hall  – 0419 113 633 / michaela.hall@bigpond.com

Interview

A visual arts exhibition by Steffie Yee 余淑婷
A nostalgic look back at childhood memories within her parents’ Chinese restaurant 
12 June—15 September 2024, Footscray Community Arts 

“The Asian experience is not a monolith”

Chinese Restaurant Playground is an evocative exhibition about childhood, imaginative play, and finding joy within the frenetic settings of a bustling regional Chinese restaurant. The exhibition captures themes of nostalgia, family, food and community. It showcases a collation of material and an perspective of Hunter Valley history that is rarely represented.

“Having served four generations of customers for over 40 years, my parents’ Chinese restaurant, Yee’s, was the backdrop of my childhood.“

Steffie presents a multimedia collection of finished works, and works in progress including a large-scale wok installation with multilingual animations, videos, illustrations and archival photographs spanning her childhood.

“From rollerblading on the tiles through the restaurant, using pot lids as cymbals, making play dough from spring roll pastry batter, and riding a motorbike in the yard behind the restaurant, this exhibition is an artistic documentation of my memories as a child of Malaysian-Chinese restaurant owners in Branxton, NSW”

Much of the exhibition is a depiction of family joy, playfulness and creativity. Contrary to common narratives that paint migrant stories as solely poignant or sad, Steffie offers a more whimsical and lighthearted portrayal of the migrant experience.

“There’s been a big surge of Asian diaspora stories coming out in the last few years, and a lot of the stories that are coming out focus on Asian people in major cities. I want to show another dimension of what the Asian diaspora experience could be.”

Steffie seeks to celebrate the people behind the ‘local Chinese restaurant’, whose stories risk being lost due to language barriers and a long record of cultural history that predominantly spotlights Anglo-Celtic and European migration – particularly in regional Australian narratives.

“Your classic Aussie-Chinese restaurant is likely to disappear in the next decade or two. As the story goes; the parents migrate to a new country and do the hard yards in the restaurant, so their children can pursue a less laborious form of work in the future.

These restaurants are a symbol for survival, resilience, and hope for Chinese migrants who settled in this country.”

ABOUT STEFFIE YEE 余淑婷
Steffie Yee 余淑婷 is an animation director and illustrator, whose work weaves together digital and mixed-media processes involving stop-motion, 2D & 3D animation. With a background in music, her animation style is driven by the synergy between sound and image. In addition to creating animation for music, film, TV, and commercials, Steffie’s work has appeared in the forms of illustration, public art installation, and live visual installation for events.

Born and raised in the Hunter Valley in NSW (Wonnarua Country), Steffie draws creative inspiration from her unique upbringing in regional Australia and her Malaysian-Chinese heritage.

Steffie’s work has screened internationally at the Atlanta Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, and Palm Springs ShortFest, where her strata cut animated film The Lost Sound (2018) received two nominations for Best Animated Short and Best Animated Student Short. In 2023, her work screened at the TEDxSydney Youth conference which celebrates the ideas and work of young creators. In the online space, Steffie’s work has earned features on Vimeo Staff Picks, Motionographer, and BOOOOOOOM TV.

Presented by Footscray Community Arts with support from the Australian Film Television and Radio School

Exhibition Dates: 12 June—15 September 2024
Location: Roslyn Smorgan Gallery, Footscray Community Arts, 
45 Moreland Street Footscray