Geelong Arts Centre’s ambitious redevelopment continues to take shape, with exciting new plans to integrate public artwork by First Nations artists into the $140 million Little Malop Street redevelopment.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Acting Minister for Creative Industries Gabrielle Williams has launched an Expressions of Interest process that will select up to four First Nations artists to create work that reflects the significant Indigenous connection to Country, history and culture of the region.
“Geelong Arts Centre’s Little Malop Street redevelopment is a transformative project for the local creative community and for the region,” said Minister Williams. “It’s a project with creative people at its heart and these art commissions will be an incredible opportunity to showcase the talents of our First Nations artists to audiences visiting the new centre, which is expected to grow to more than 400,000 each year.”
Expressions of Interest are open to experienced First Nations sound and visual artists. All EOI submissions must be considerate and respectful of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners’ cultural rights and responsibilities.
The selected artists will work with managing contractor Lendlease, project architects ARM and the project partners – Geelong Arts Centre, Creative Victoria and Development Victoria – to turn their creative concepts into artwork and soundscapes that will be integrated into the design of the redeveloped Centre.
“The vision for the completed Little Malop St Redevelopment is bold and places artists, community and creatives within the creative heart of Geelong,” said Geelong Arts Centre CEO Joel McGuinness.
These commissions are part of that vision – it’s an invitation for practicing First Peoples visual and sound artists to produce works that may inspire, affirm, provoke, embrace and embolden culture for our region.”
Geelong Arts Centre’s Little Malop Street redevelopment commenced in 2020 and is expected to be complete in 2023. Expressions of Interest for the First Nations design opportunities are now open and close on 29 July 2021. For more information, visit: geelongartscentre.org.au for details.
Image: Geelong Arts Centre Exterior – photo by Rory Gardiner