Six artists from the Geelong region have received grants from the Geelong Arts Centre to help develop their creative projects.
The latest Creative Engine grant round recipients were announced on Monday, October 9, and were provided with financial support and studio access at the art venue to develop their projects.
Serah Nathan-Sinnathamby’s comedy-drama series Psyched and singer-songwriter Rachel Brennan received the Place to Make grant for a co-working space to help develop their projects.
“Having the space to write, use my imagination, and get that creativity flowing outside my home office is everything that’s conducive to making a successful project,” Ms Nathan-Sinnathamby said.
“I find it really inspiring being in this space and, especially with the co-working space and rehearsal studio, just hanging out in these areas I think makes you feel more creative,” Ms Brennan said.
Michael Carmody received the Jump Start grant of $3000 and studio access.
He said it would help him and actor Alice Qin continue to work together on the one-person show Lost Horizon, an adaption of James Hilton’s twentieth-century novel.
“It gets us in a room together to crack open a book and have a go at adapting it for a modern audience,” he said.
Christine Davey was also a Jump Start recipient to help develop Under Milk Wood, a subversive theatrical adaption of a 1954 radio drama.
Melinda Chapman was an Ignition grant recipient and received $5000, studio access and mentoring opportunities for Swarm, a multi-art performance piece.
“It provides me with the opportunity to bring in local artists, have mentorship, and to really develop the work,” she said.
Georgie Rose also received the Ignition grant for her multi-disciplinary puppet performance, Imaginary Friends.
Geelong Arts Centre chief executive and creative director Joel McGuinness said he was excited to support the emerging and local creatives.
“Creativity is the lifeblood of Geelong Arts Centre and the projects we’re backing through this grant initiative represent a rich tapestry of artistic forms,” he said.
The announcement celebrates the centre’s first round of the Creative Engine grant recipients since it opened in August after a $140 million redevelopment.
