In July 2023 the Victorian Premier, The Hon Daniel Andrews, visited Jewish Arts Quarter (JAQ) with a number of MPs and dignitaries, including Nicole Brittain and Barry Fradkin OAM from Gandel Foundation.
Premier Andrews and his team were beyond impressed with the vision of the project. The Premier noted his gratitude to Gandel Foundation for early support and also talked about the State government’s significant pledge to JAQ.
The concept of JAQ is not unique, as Melbourne has other multicultural arts precincts and ‘hubs’, but what is unique is that this will be a community asset that brings together not just arts and culture together, but the whole spectrum of community organisations and charities in its proposed Community Hub space. JAQ aims to be a true destination for all Melbournians, Victorians and Australians, enabling and fostering a new era of connection, creativity and innovation.
Reflecting on the vision for JAQ, the Chair of Gandel Foundation John Gandel AC, said the following:
“The plans for JAQ are visionary. The importance of community assets that help build a just, healthy, thriving and accepting society can’t possibly be overestimated.
JAQ, in my view, will help create a fabulous and vibrant arts and creativity hub for the Jewish people – it will also become a vitally important cultural addition for all people of Melbourne, helping foster greater social cohesion and inclusion…..
The JAQ initiative could deliver Victoria – and Australia – a unique cultural and educational precinct that will preserve the Jewish heritage for future generations, but also act as a catalyst for cross-cultural understanding, a symbol of multiculturalism and community connection – and a tourism drawcard!”
Representatives from a number of other key community organisations joined the Premier and other dignitaries, as well as Mount Scopus School Captains, who took time out of their school holidays to share their views on what JAQ may provide in terms of culture, education and social connections for young adults and other audiences.