The Hellenic Museum of Melbourne has secured a $400,000 funding commitment from a re-elected Labor Government to support the upcoming world-class exhibition, Rituals: Gifts for the Gods.
The announcement was made yesterday (Tuesday) at the Hellenic Museum by Victorian Senator Jana Stewart and Labor candidate for Melbourne Sarah Witty, in the presence of the Museum’s Chairman Mr. Harry Stamoulis, Board member, Mr. John Zaparas, Museum Director, Ms. Sarah Craig and Greek Media Group GM, Mr Spyros Alatsas.
Welcoming the Senator and Labour candidate, Ms. Craig expressed the Museum’s deep gratitude for the promised support, describing it as a vital investment in the preservation of Greek culture and cultural activity.
“This funding comes at a critical time for the Hellenic Museum,” said Ms. Craig. “We are deeply grateful to Senator Stewart, Sarah Witty and the Albanese Administration for recognizing the importance of this project. It is the result of work that began last year when Mr. Alatsas and I traveled to Greece and met with officials from the Greek Ministry of Culture. Thanks to the support and coordination of the Minister, Mrs. Lina Mendoni, we held important meetings with major Greek museums, laying the groundwork for the transfer of this excellent exhibition to Australia.
Speaking from the historic Royal Mint building, which now houses the Hellenic Museum, Senator Stewart stressed the importance of celebrating cultural heritage and promoting inclusivity.
“This place is iconic,” Senator Stewart said. “As a proud Wamba Wamba tribal woman, I deeply understand the role of cultural pride and identity. Labor is committed to supporting communities like Melbourne’s vibrant Greek Australian community through institutions like the Greek Museum.”
The $400,000 will be used to implement the Rituals exhibition: Gifts for the Gods, an exhibition featuring over 100 rare objects from Greek museums, many of which have never been exhibited outside Greece. Scheduled to open at the end of May, the exhibition is expected to last at least 12 months and attract domestic and international visitors.
Hellenic Museum President Mr. Harry Stamoulis and Board member Mr. Johnis Zaparas also conveyed their appreciation for the commitment, emphasising the Museum’s mission to act as a cultural bridge between Australia and Greece.
Mr. Alatsas conducted an interview with the senator, (to be aired on 3XY RADIO HELLAS tonight during the Drive show 4-5pm), welcomed the announcement, saying it highlights the strong link between Australia’s multicultural identity and the long-standing contribution of the Greek community.
“As someone born in Australia to Greek parents who migrated here in the early 1950s, it makes me very proud to see this kind of support,” Alatsas said. “It’s not just about items; it’s about recognising the generations of Greek Australians who helped shape the country and continue to enrich our society.”
He also praised the symbolism of the Greek Museum housed in the former Royal Mint. “When visitors come and see this building, they understand the message – it speaks to the cultural diversity and the respect we have for all the communities that call Australia home.”
Senator Stewart echoed this sentiment, describing the museum as a “beacon of cultural pride” and the exhibition as “a bridge between the ancient and the modern, connecting Australia’s Greek community with its heritage”.
Labor candidate Sarah Witty reinforced the wider impact of the funding. “The Greek Museum is a vital part of Melbourne’s identity. This investment not only supports Greek culture, but enhances the artistic and educational future of our city.”
The funding will be administered in accordance with Commonwealth rules and principles for grants. If returned to power, Labor promises continued investment in cultural institutions that promote Australia’s diversity and shared heritage.
With the upcoming exhibition Rituals: Gifts for the Gods, which is set to be launched at the end of May and will become one of the most significant exhibitions of Greek antiquities ever hosted in Australia, the Hellenic Museum is poised to once again be at the centre of Victoria’s cultural life.
Photo: Senator Jana Stewart and Labor candidate for Melbourne Sarah Witty, in the presence of the Chairperson of the Museum, Mr. Harry Stamoulis, Board Member Mr. John Zaparas, and the Museum Director Ms. Sarah Craig.”
