Reverse Arts Victoria's decision on funding the Melbourne Jazz Cooperative

To:  Victorian Government

Dear Government of Victoria,

In its 27 years of existence, the Melbourne Jazz Cooperative (MJC) has presented more than 1800 concerts, with the number of concerts exceeding 150 in 2009. This has been achieved with minimal funding by the Australia Council and Arts Victoria. In 2008, the MJC received $85,000 in total with $35,000 contributed by Arts Victoria.

This compares shockingly with the increased support for the Victorian Opera, which received $2.18 million in government grants in 2008. According to its annual report the Victorian Opera ‘reached’ 27,624 people in that year. This equates to a funding of $77 per audience member! The comparative figures for the MJC in the same year are $15 per person (or $6.15 per person in regard to Arts Victoria funding). In 2009 the funding for the Victorian Opera has increased by a staggering 72\% to $3.75 million, whereas the MJC’s funding from Arts Victoria was COMPLETELY CUT!

Without funding from Arts Victoria, the MJC is forced to cut its program by half. This will directly reduce the opportunity for Victorian's to see and hear contemporary Australian jazz that is composed and performed by Victoria's best musicians. Furthermore, the planned increase of activities that would have engaged and developed Victorian students in contemporary Australian jazz practices will not be undertaken due to lack of resources.

We, the undersigned hereby protest against Arts Victoria’s decision to cut funding to the MJC and urge the Government of Victoria to review their decision.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Reverse Arts Victoria's decision on funding the Melbourne Jazz Cooperative Petition to Victorian Government was created by and written by Adi Diner (amdiner@gmail.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.