Creative workers, artists and arts organisations from across Victoria will rally on the steps of the State Library on Monday 9 November to demand urgent action to address the growing crisis facing the state’s arts, cultural and live performance sectors.
The Rally for the Arts will bring together performers, musicians, crew, arts workers and artists and supporters to call for renewed investment in the arts ahead of the Victorian State Election.
The campaign seeks action to protect creative jobs and keep live performance accessible, with calls for increased arts investment, support for venues, and a cultural pass scheme that helps connect more Victorians with live arts and culture.
Many arts organisations have faced years of funding cuts, leaving them struggling to survive, while artists are forced out of the sector with opportunities disappearing across the state.
The rally is being organised by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) and the Don’t Break Our Arts campaign, with support from creative workers, artists and arts organisations across Victoria.
“Creative and arts workers are the backbone of Melbourne’s famous arts and culture scene, and a key reason why Melbourne was recently named best city in the world,” said MEAA Acting Chief Executive Adam Portelli.
“With live performance facing rising costs and early cancellations, the Victorian Government needs to step in. A cultural pass scheme will allow Victorian audiences greater access to the shows they want to support.”
“The Victorian Government cannot continue to celebrate Victoria as the nation’s cultural capital while failing to adequately invest in the people who create that culture.”
“This rally is about standing up for the future of the arts and live performance and ensuring that creative workers have a sustainable future in Victoria,” said Portelli.
“The arts in Victoria are in crisis,” added Max Delany, Don’t Break Our Arts campaign organiser and former director of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.
“Funding has been slashed to artists and the small-to- medium sector. We know some organisations are facing closure and artists are leaving the sector – it is now becoming existential for many.”
“Victoria’s reputation as a creative and cultural leader wasn’t built by accident. We need to rebuild that commitment,” said Delany.
It has attracted support from groups including the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA), Writers Victoria, Theatre Network Australia, Ausdance Victoria and the Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV).
The campaign is calling for the Victorian government to restore funding cuts to arts organisations and new cultural investment in arts and live performance in a state once renowned for its vibrant arts scene.
Rally for the Arts!
State Library Victoria Forecourt, Swanston Street, Melbourne
Date: Monday 9 November 2026 – 4.30pm
Information: www.dontbreakourarts.org
Image: State Library Victoria (supplied)