$1.5 million to recognise Islamic culture and heritage
Friday, 04 May 2012
Joint media release with the Hon Simon Crean MP – Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government Minister for the Arts and Senator the Hon Kate Lundy – Minister for Sport, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation.
Arts Minister Simon Crean and Multicultural Affairs Minister Senator Kate Lundy today announced $1.5 million in Australian Government funding to support capital works for the creation of the Islamic Museum of Australia in Melbourne.
Speaking at the launch of a new documentary Boundless Plains – the Australian Muslim Connection, Senator Lundy said the Australian Government was proud to support such a significant project that recognised the invaluable contribution of Islamic culture and heritage.
'The Islamic Museum of Australia will help to foster understanding and promote community harmony and social inclusion,' Senator Lundy said.
'It will serve to educate the wider Australian community of the rich and longstanding history that Islam has had in our nation.
'Here in Melbourne, the Museum will join a rich tapestry of cultural institutions celebrating the contribution of Greek, Italian, Jewish and Chinese communities.'
Mr Crean said the Islamic Museum of Australia would make a significant contribution to the cultural life of our nation.
'Culture is incredibly important to understanding ourselves better, not just as individuals, but as a nation,' Mr Crean said.
'Australia is uniquely placed. We have one of the oldest living cultures on earth and we continue to attract the greatest diversity of cultures on earth.
'That is why we are proud to be involved in this partnership for community cultural development.'
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/parlsec/media/kl/2012/kl186419.htm
Last update: Friday, 04 May 2012 at 16:09 AEST