An incredible transformation is underway across Geelong, reimagining our arts and cultural precinct and attracting thousands of creatives to our city.
Over the past decade we have witnessed the bold and visionary redevelopments of Geelong Library and Heritage Centre and Geelong Arts Centre.
Countless colourful murals and eye-catching sculptures are emerging across our city, breathing life into laneways, streets and public places.
And the cultural fabric of our city is changing too.
In four years (2020-2024) creative and cultural jobs in Greater Geelong have increased by 54 per cent, with an influx of young creatives drawn by our lifestyle and growing arts scene.
But one piece of the puzzle remains for our cultural precinct to reach its full potential – the expansion of Geelong Gallery.
The project, the final part of our Geelong Cultural Precinct Masterplan, envisions a multistorey expansion of the gallery into City Hall.
Geelong Gallery has built an enviable reputation through its critically acclaimed historical and contemporary exhibitions.
But storage and display constraints are hindering the gallery from holding more commercially viable exhibitions.
Currently, the gallery can only display less than two per cent of the 7,000 works in its collection, many of which are historically and nationally significant.
The expansion would quadruple the gallery’s display space, allowing it to attract international touring exhibitions like those that regularly visit the National Gallery of Victoria and Bendigo Art Gallery.
These exhibitions present incredible opportunities for businesses to show off their own artistic flair.
Nearby cafés could create themed menus to complement international exhibitions and bars could serve themed drinks.
Local theatre companies could pay homage to the likes of Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo and Picasso in their performances.
And the City could bring our streets to life with night markets or other festivities paying tribute to famous artists, leading efforts to enhance the economic impacts of these exhibitions.
The possibilities are endless.
A redeveloped and revitalised Geelong Gallery would draw 350,000 visitors a year to Geelong, according to the business case for the expansion.
The project would create 200 direct and indirect jobs during construction and support 25 permanent full-time creative jobs.
The expansion could also help our next local artistic virtuoso hone their talents and break onto the world stage, with artist in residence spaces and education and outreach programs.
Finally, the project bolsters opportunities for collaboration with other creative players like Back to Back Theatre and Platform Arts – two groundbreaking theatre groups located just across the road at the old courthouse building.
But we need support to make this happen.
Geelong Gallery is seeking $10 million to fund the time-crucial project management and design phase of the project, and $200 million from federal and state governments, Council and philanthropic sources to fully fund outcomes from the business case.
With the federal election nearing, Council has identified the expansion as a Priority Project.
As Mayor, I am determined to champion art – in all its forms. Art inspires and challenges people and enhances the culture of our Clever and Creative city.
Over coming months, I will work closely with our federal representatives and candidates to advocate for this expansion, along with several other Priority Projects.
Together, we can deliver this crucial component to make Geelong a thriving, internationally recognised arts and culture hub.
