Source: Preliminary findings from AMaGA Victoria’s 2026 Victorian Sector Census.
2026 Victorian State Election
Victorians go to the polls on 28 November. So far, no party has made a funded election commitment specific to museums, galleries or community heritage organisations. Our stories matter. Our collections matter. What we keep matters.
What We Keep gives you the evidence and the tools to raise these issues with the people asking for your vote. Inside you’ll find early findings from AMaGA Victoria’s 2026 Sector Census, five key messages, a snapshot of where the parties stand, questions to ask candidates, sample social media posts and a letter template you can adapt for your organisation or yourself.
You don’t need to be a member to use it. If you work, volunteer or simply care about Victoria’s museums, galleries, and community collecting organisations, this kit is for you.
Candidates listen most closely to people in their own electorate. A visit, a letter or a question at a local forum can make a real difference.
POSITIONS, POLICIES & COMMITMENTS
Updated: 26 October 2026
What each party has announced or published relating to arts and culture. Where a party has published a policy or platform, we've named it so you can read it in full. Sources for information are listed in the toolkit.
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Policy: Creative State 2028
Commitment: Live music package: Live Music Desk, noise reform, live music precincts, $2.5m Live Gigs Fund
Commitment: $4m regional touring grants; $1m for regional festivals
Commitment: $600,000 over two years for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
In government: $475.3m over five years (2025–26 Budget) to raise base funding for major state-owned institutions; and $7.1m over four years for state-owned cultural facilities' maintenance and activation
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Position: Oppose Creative Victoria’s recent funding cuts; FOI on those decisions now before VCAT
Commitment: $2.8m over four years for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
Commitment: $1.5m for Greek community cultural projects: the Antipodes Festival ($1m) and a St Dimitrios cultural space ($500k)
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Platform (2026): Art Everywhere for Everyone
Policy (2022): Arts and Culture Policy
Position: Living wage for artists
Position: Increased funding and long-term grants for small to medium arts organisations
Position: Long-term funding strategy and investment for VicScreen
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Position: Abolish VicScreen and return its $87.6m cash reserve to the screen industry
Position: Exempt production wages from payroll tax and make the Victorian screen rebate an entitlement administered by the State Revenue Office, rather than a discretionary agency grant
Position: Review and repeal regulatory and compliance costs, including licensing, permits, public liability and noise rules, which the party argues are contributing to venue closures