Arts Centre Melbourne has issued a statement welcoming the Andrews Labor governments $40 million investment for back-stage infrastructure upgrades. The venue says the investment will allow it to build on its redevelopment vision, enabling improved experiences for its visitors.

“I’m thrilled our growing and increasingly diverse audiences will continue experiencing state-of-the-art venues and technology, more flexible and efficient spaces for performances, with performers and crew delivering work of outstanding quality in a safer environment,” said Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Claire Spencer. “Importantly, this transformation will support the ongoing production of innovative new works, such as Asia TOPA, Supersense and those of the small to medium sector, to be performed.”

The venue, which sees three million visitors each year, plans to replace the State Theatre flying system as well as upgrading security systems and other core infrastructure. The Victorian Government has also committed $10 million in the 2017-18 budget to establishing contemporary music destinations in the state, part of a $22.2 million Music Works package. $8.3 million of the package will go to the Australian Music Vault, a hall of fame celebrating Australian music at Arts Centre Melbourne.

According to Arts Centre Melbourne, the Andrews Government’s investment in cultural infrastructure and contemporary music will enable the venue to enhance its contribution to the Victorian creative and visitor economy. “Arts Centre Melbourne is now over 30 years old and much of the behind-the-scenes infrastructure that supports the presentation of the onstage magic of live theatre no longer meets the standards and technical complexities that contemporary presenters and audiences now expect,” Spencer explained.

“Being able to provide companies like Opera Australia, Melbourne Theatre Company and The Australian Ballet with technology they expect and with infrastructure free of risk of failure and performance interruption is absolutely critical to ensuring they can deliver work of excellence with consistency and confidence.”