Geelong Arts Centre has announced a package of grants through its Creative Engine program to benefit artists and creatives working in the G21 region.
“Local creatives are the heart-beat of our arts centre. Our aim for these grants is to assist a diverse range of artists and creatives to build sustainable and thriving practice right here in regional Victoria,” said Joel McGuinness, Geelong Arts Centre CEO.
“We’re looking to the future and for works that demonstrate a connection to the region, are innovative by design and thoughtfully participate in the national arts conversation.”
Totalling $16,000 in financial grants and in-kind occupancies within the centre’s landmark Ryrie Street building, the eight available grant packages will directly benefit individuals and organisation who demonstrate the desire and ability to drive bold and exciting contemporary arts practice and performance. Available packages include:
- 2 x Ignition: $5,000 plus occupancy, marketing and professional development support
- 2 x Live and Local: $2,000 plus occupancy, broadcast infrastructure and marketing support
- 2 x Jump Start: $1,000 plus occupancy support
- 2 x Place to Make: In-kind occupancy support
Grant applications will open from 9.00am – Monday 17 August and will close at 5.00pm – Sunday 30 August 2020. Applications must demonstrate the ability to meet the program’s three selection criteria – connection, innovation and thoughtfulness – to be successful. The selected successful projects will be notified on Friday 11 September.
Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine, a co-working space and eponymous arts development program, was announced in October 2019 with a primary directive to support individuals and artistic collectives and build sustainable arts practices within regional Victoria.
In addition to value-in-kind occupancies and grants funding, Creative Engine provides access to workshops, masterclasses, industry networking and creative bootcamps for the creative community of Geelong
Creative Engine will offer two grant and support opportunity rounds per year to invest in emerging works. The initiative supports Geelong Arts Centre’s strategic vision to become ‘The Creative Heart of Geelong: an artery between creative industries and community to global thinking and extraordinary experiences.’
The program has already supported a number of new works by local producers including contemporary dance company Blink Dance Theatre, playwright Ross Mueller and theatre makers Essential Theatre.
“We are incredibly grateful to have this support,” said Lyndel Quick, Blink Dance Theatre Artistic Director. “In practical terms, it has enabled access to world class rehearsal and performance spaces and specialist equipment, however the real highlight has been the full commitment of the Geelong Arts Centre team, to work with us as partners, to support and nurture artistic conversations and ideas.”
“To value the contribution of local artists and how important they are in enriching the creative ecology.”
For more information about the Creative Engine program and current opportunities, visit: www.geelongartscentre.org.au for details.
Image: courtesy of Geelong Arts Centre