The Victorian Government announced this week that Geelong Arts Centre (GAC) would receive $460,000 in funding to come on board as an ‘auspicing partner’ to support the delivery phase of the G21 region’s Creative Industries Strategy.
The announcement was made yesterday by Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos alongside GAC CEO and creative director Joel McGuinness and Geelong MP Christine Couzens at the GAC Ryrie St building.
The ‘Making Change’ strategy was launched in October 2021 by a partnership of local arts and member organisations, including Committee for Geelong, G21 Geelong Regional Alliance, Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong Gallery, Creative Geelong Inc, Platform Arts, Back to Back Theatre and Geelong Regional Library Corporation.
GAC has been a part of the leadership team of the project since its inception, and Mr McGuinness said his team will work with the creative sector in the region to strengthen and grow local creative endeavours.
“We look forward to working alongside the creative industry to ensure diversity of voice, connect creatives and support industry skill development,” he said.
“We are so thankful to the Victorian Government for their belief in our region’s creative sector.”
The funding is intended to deliver the first stage of the strategy, including a First Nations engagement plan, professional development and networking opportunities for local creatives, and a digital directory of the region’s creative hubs.
$140 million in government funding is also being provided for the redevelopment of GAC’s Little Malop St centre, which will provide new theatres, an atrium plaza and increased accessibility, and Mr Dimopoulos said the project would create more than 600 jobs during construction.
The redevelopment will also include 2000 square metres of carpet featuring unique First Nations-inspired designs created in consultation with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, which will be provided by iconic Geelong business Godfrey Hirst.
“The Geelong Arts Centre redevelopment is supporting Geelong businesses, showcasing local craftsmanship and creating local jobs, while delivering a new major drawcard that will bring thousands more visitors to the region,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
