A Slice of Jewish Life

Like Lygon Street, Oakleigh, Chinatown and other cultural precincts, the Jewish Arts Quarter will be a place that fosters collaboration across communities while sharing the unique experiences and stories of Australian Jews with everyone.

Artist Impression – JAQ 7

McIldowie Partners

Celebrating Jewish Life & Culture

The Jewish Arts Quarter will celebrate and share our unique Australian Jewish life through inclusive experiences that:


  • embrace the broader community

  • support social and economic growth

  • contribute to the positive future of Elsternwick, Melbourne and our state

A Catalyst for the Arts, Culture and Business

JAQ promises to be a dynamic centre of activity and a unique addition to the broader Melbourne  Arts landscape.

Selwyn St

Elsternwick Cultural Precinct

In One Voice Festival

Daniel Goldberg

A Cultural Destination

Street festivals and events will add a special evocative nature to JAQ. The marriage of performers, arts, specialist food and activities all add to the dynamic experience of Jewish culture and community – creating a lasting cultural impact.

In One Voice Festival

Daniel Goldberg

A Sustainable Future

A comprehensive feasibility and financial business plan provide the foundation for a sustainable future that includes positive economic and revitalisation benefits for Glen Eira, Melbourne and Victoria.

Wild Open Day

Jewish Museum of Australia Collection

An Inclusive Community

New public spaces and community facilities with extensive programming welcome people of all ages and cultures to enjoy and participate in Jewish culture and life – defining a positive future built together.

Wild Open Day

JMA Collection

Heritage at heart

Active programming and initiatives will bring tradition and heritage to life, celebrating Jewish identity and promoting Jewish continuity by creating engaging opportunities for enriching Jewish life and learning.

At Home in Elsternwick

Located in the City's South, the Jewish Arts Quarter is surrounded by years of Australian Jewish history, even more stories and a diverse community of people.

Glen Huntly Road

Glen Huntly Road

The Masterplan for Elsternwick

The Jewish Arts Quarter (JAQ) is a key part of the dynamic Elsternwick revitalisation strategy developed by Glen Eira City Council. A safe civic space with state-of-the-art facilities, JAQ will bring together theatre, art, learning, food, festivals and more in an inclusive space to which all visitors are warmly welcomed.

Glen Eira City Council worked closely with stakeholders to determine a shared vision for the Elsternwick Cultural Precinct. Adding value to the community, it promises to become a world-class cultural centre and thriving meeting place renowned for its diverse mix of experiences of which JAQ is the epicentre.

After years of consultation, stakeholder engagement and design development, the final vision of Elsternwick Cultural Precinct was endorsed by the Council in April 2021.

A lasting impact

The Jewish Arts Quarter will be a cultural hub and a spirit of collaboration committed to education and entertainment, learning and life.

With integral support from key supporters and associates, three guiding organisations defined and developed the vision for  JAQ. The Jewish Museum of Australia: Gandel Centre of Judaica, Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre & National Library and Sholem Aleichem College.

Group Event

Jewish Museum of Australia Collection

A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

Jewish Museum of Australia: Gandel Centre of Judaica

Relocating to  JAQ provides new, exciting ways for the Museum to illuminate Jewish life.

Artist Impression – JAQ7 Theatre

McIldowie Partners

Continuing to Expand, Nurture and Collaborate

Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre and National Library

JAQ offers opportunities to expand Kadimah's programs and continue nurturing and fostering Yiddish cultural programming.

Family Activities

Jewish Museum of Australia Collection

Enriching Our Culture and Enhancing Education

Sholem Aleichem College

JAQ will enhance the College's educational offering by having a world class arts and cultural hub on its doorstep.

The History of JAQ