Geelong Arts Centre (GAC) has announced its artists in residence for 2025.
Associate artists Bron Batten and Keziah Warner will receive more than $40,000 each from GAC to develop new works, as well as up to $15,000 in studio time and mentor support.
Ms Batten, an award-winning performer and theatre-maker whose work often involves collaboration with non-artists and audience members, said being named a GAC associate artist meant “such a great deal” to her.
“It’s happening at a point in my career where the structure and support will literally sustain my ability to keep being an artist, which feels utterly remarkable,” she said.
“I’m so excited and very grateful to the Geelong Arts Centre for the opportunity and am looking forward to finding out what I can offer the wider Geelong community through my practice.”
A playwright and dramaturg, Ms Warner will spend the residency exploring a new romantic comedy set in Geelong Station.
She said she was excited for the opportunity to work with local artists.
“This will be invaluable to the development of my writing and allow me to actively contribute to the wider arts community, which is by far the most important thing I can do as an artist,” Ms Warner said.
“The chance to embed as a writer at a company with both a salary and dedicated project funding is such a rare and incredible opportunity and a real testament to Geelong Arts Centre’s understanding of and investment in artists.”
Chief executive and creative director Rhys Holden said he was thrilled to welcome both artists to GAC.
“We can’t wait to have them here for a year in Geelong to create exciting new projects, and also I look forward to the impact they will have on other artists and the wider creative ecosystem,” Mr Holden said.
