Something extraordinary is coming up in Geelong and we want all our region’s creative people to get involved.
We’re calling for expressions of interest for ROAM Geelong – an immersive arts festival set to transform Johnstone Park and our cultural precinct for one magical night in October.
The precinct is set to come alive with a vibrant, colourful and mesmerising tapestry of arts featuring electrifying performances, dynamic theatre and eye-catching displays.
This festival is anticipated to draw 15,000 visitors to Geelong’s cultural precinct to roam and discover our city’s vibrant creative heart.
ROAM Geelong aims to amplify the stories, histories and voices of our diverse communities, exploring our region’s identity through art, performance and storytelling.
We want our thriving creative community to be the driving force of this new festival, and the expressions of interest process is your chance to shape this unique event.
We’re searching for local and regional performers, arts organisations and creatives of all types – dancers, actors, musicians, digital artists and more – to contribute their creative flair.
This could take the form of immersive projections and interactive installations that spill out into our city’s laneways, courtyards and facades, or live site-specific performances.
Or you might have a concept for something completely new and unheard of – whatever your idea, we want to hear it.
We’re also partnering with central Geelong’s major arts players including Geelong Arts Centre,
Geelong Gallery, Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, Platform Arts and Back to Back Theatre, to make this a festival that truly embraces our creative community.
And ROAM represents a huge opportunity for local businesses too, with festival-goers to explore our streets and check out all of central Geelong’s fantastic food and drink offerings.
Little Malop Street will be closed to vehicle traffic, leaving visitors free to wander this cultural and nightlife mecca, while taking in the sights and sounds of ROAM.
And there are so many ways local bars, restaurants and eateries can get involved, beyond the influx of extra trade the night will bring.
I encourage local businesses to think of clever and creative ideas ways to contribute and to submit their own expressions of interest.
You could collaborate with arts groups to create themed menus and cocktails, based on nearby exhibits and installations.
You could give an emerging Geelong musician the chance to shine by hosting a live music gig.
Or you could even put forward your business as a venue for performances or installations on the night.
The opportunities are only limited by your imagination.
As Greater Geelong mayor, I am passionate about championing all forms of art.
Art challenges, stimulates and inspires, tells our stories and is a vital part of our identity as a clever and creative city.
It makes our city a more vibrant and colourful place to live and attracts visitors, supporting our hospitality sector and the wider economy.
Which is I can’t wait to see our artists unite for ROAM Geelong, to create a festival where creativity knows no bounds.
Expressions of interest are open now at geelong.smartygrants.com.au/2025ROAM.
The ROAM Geelong website is now live. Head to roamgeelong.com.au and subscribe to stay in the loop. More updates and opportunities will be shared in the coming weeks.
