A new cultural arts precinct is coming to Melbourne’s inner south. Get excited for the Jewish Arts Quarter, a thriving hub that will be dedicated to Jewish arts, history, education and intercultural exchange. At seven storeys high, and with two basement levels, this massive destination will include a performing arts theatre, exhibition spaces and more. Works on the precinct will begin soon, and you’ll find it in the heart of Elsternwick.
Jewish Arts Quarter
When it is complete, the Jewish Arts Quarter will be a landmark cultural precinct that supports contemporary and traditional Jewish expression, supports artists and encourages meaningful connections across communities. It will be the new home of the Jewish Museum of Australia, and feature a performing arts theatre, exhibition spaces, co-working facilities, retail shops, cafes and public spaces.
This project has been in the works for a while now, with plans for the site released in 2020. And in an exciting next step, it was announced over the weekend that the Jewish Arts Quarter would receive an additional $2 million boost in funding from the Victorian government. Preparation works are now underway to demolish 7 Selwyn Street, paving the way for this cultural space.
“This funding enables the Jewish Arts Quarter to move confidently into the next phase — focused on early works, coordination and site readiness ahead of construction,” said Joe Tigel, JAQ Director and Kadimah Director. “It sends a clear signal that the project is ready for delivery.”
Significant and historic artworks by Karl Duldig, including stained glass memorial windows, sculptural reliefs and the Kadimah emblem, will be conserved during redevelopment and incorporated into the new building.
Located on Selwyn Street, this building will at the heart of the upcoming Elsternwick Cultural Precinct, which features other notable community spaces, like the Melbourne Holocaust Museum and Classic Cinemas.
The Jewish Arts Quarter has now received $7 million from the Victorian government, and the Federal government has committed $18 million to the project.
To learn more about it, click here.
