The Victorian Government is supercharging Ballarat’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic by investing in dozens of projects that create jobs, encourage visitors and support local communities.

Member for Wendouree Julianna Addison and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle today announced the opening of the 1000 Doors art installation in Ballarat which has been backed by $100,000 funding from the Labor Government.

The allocation is part of a $10 million investment in more than 50 projects through the Government’s Regional Recovery Fund – designed to address community needs and help businesses thrive.

The interactive art installation features a labyrinth of doors, gateways, portraits and screens that visitors will be able to walk through and experience in Ballarat’s cultural precinct on Armstrong Street South.

Created by Australian artists Christian Wagstaff and Keith Courtney, the installation has toured the Melbourne International Arts Festival, Brisbane Festival, Adelaide Fringe Festival, Auckland’s Aotea Square and the Bendigo Art Gallery.

Nationally acclaimed and local tourist attraction Sovereign Hill has also benefited from the fund after it received $500,000 to help promote its Winter Wonderlights campaign to encourage more visitors.

The Regional Recovery Fund invests in locally identified projects that address each region’s unique and immediate socio-economic challenges, with a strong focus on creating jobs.

Successful projects were identified based on their ability to provide an immediate economic response and assist with recovery efforts while also laying the groundwork for future growth.

The Regional Recovery Fund builds on the Labor Government’s almost $30 billion record investment across regional and rural Victoria since 2015.

For more information visit: rdv.vic.gov.au/regional-recovery-fund.

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“I am so excited to visit the 1000 Doors Ballarat art installation which will strengthen the city’s renowned reputation as the home of arts and culture.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“This impressive showcase of art is an opportunity for regional Victorians to see all that our beautiful towns have on offer, backed by funding from our Regional Recovery Fund.”

Quote attributable to Ballarat Regional Tourism Chair Paul Martino

“Ballarat Regional Tourism is delighted to have received government funding which, in partnership with the City of Ballarat, has enabled us to secure an arts focused activation in the centre of Ballarat.”