By Jena Carr
Eight Geelong artists will be able to advance their contemporary art practices, thanks to Geelong Arts Centre funding.
Geelong Arts Centre’s creative engine grants delivered up to $16,000 in financial grants and $30,000 of value-in-kind studio access at the centre’s Ryrie Street building and Merge coworking space.
Head of programming Penny McCabe said it was the fifth year of delivering the grants, supporting the “spirit of innovation and artistic exploration”.
“We remain committed to uplifting the diverse voices of our community, ensuring that Geelong continues to thrive as a hub of creativity and cultural expression,” she said.
“These grants not only provide essential financial support but also invaluable studio access, fostering a nurturing environment for artists to push boundaries and realise their visions.”
Armstrong Creek’s Fiona Luca received $3000 and Geelong Arts Centre studio access through the Creative Engine grant for ‘NOW: A Life Story’, a project sharing Geelong elderly residents’ stories.
“It (the grant) will help cement the idea and process in which we need to undergo for it to become a project and visual resource that people can enjoy and watch,” Ms Luca said.
“It gives me a week in residency in the beautiful Geelong Arts Centre studios and it also, which I’m a big advocate for, pays the artists during this process, to explore, create and do what we do best.”
Successful recipients included $5000 and studio access for Bloomshed’s Pride and Prejudice and Kath Dolheguy’s Parasail, with $3000 and studio access awarded to Helen Duncan’s Cabaret of Calm.
Gorgi Coghlan and Anna-Lee Robertson’s Song Birds, Luke Morris’ Comedy Victoria, Catherine Holder’s The Thing We Hold Dear, and Amelia Vu’s Foreigner received studio access and a coworking space.
