After four years of design and construction, the redeveloped Geelong Arts Centre (GAC) will reopen on Saturday, August 19, beginning a four-week festival of the performing arts.
GAC will mark the opening of the $140 million Little Malop Street facility with two opening night headline events; a performance by multi-ARIA-winning R&B-pop artist Jessica Mauboy and a comedy triple-header featuring Dave Thorton, Dilruk Jayasinha and Lizzy Hoo.
The festival will feature performances by Missy Higgins, Ross Noble, Opera Australia, Pseudo Echo and ABC Radio Melbourne’s Jacinta Parsons and Brian Nankervis through August and September.
Drawing together elements from the history of Geelong, the Wadawurrung connections to Country and First Nations culture and traditions of circus and theatre, the world-class venues was designed by Ian McDougall, whose past projects include the 2010 redevelopment of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall and the master plan of the Melbourne Docklands.
The redeveloped venue’s new spaces include the Story House, a multi-format 550-seat theatre that expands to 850 seats, and the Open House, a 250-seat contemporary hybrid venue connecting to Little Malop Street Plaza.
GAC chief executive and creative director Joel McGuinness said the opening was a “milestone in Geelong’s cultural history”.
“(The opening) will see Geelong’s Arts Centre drive national and international arts conversation and ensure that those from around our region and the world can gather, connect and share their passion for the arts and creativity right here in Geelong,” Mr McGuinness said.
Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens, said the venue’s opening was an exciting moment for Geelong.
“What better way to mark the end of such a major project for our region than with a major celebration of arts, culture and entertainment,” Ms Couzens said.
“Locals and visitors alike will love their first visit to the brand new Geelong Arts Centre.”
To kick-start celebrations, GAC is offering tickets to each opening night show for only $20, and is also giving away a Geelong Arts Centre Golden Ticket valued at more than $4000.
For more information visit geelongartscentre.org.au.
