From cabaret in Mansfield to circus in South Gippsland, the Victorian Government is giving regional Victorians even more reasons to love where they live with grants to help regional communities present more live performances in local venues.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks has announced the latest round of recipients of the Small Regional Presenters program which provides grants to community groups and not-for-profit organisations to assist with the costs of programming and presenting creative shows in their area.
“We already have a vibrant creative scene across regional Victoria and Small Regional Presenters adds to the creative calendar, bring more events to small communities while also building the skills of community presenters and boosting job opportunities for artists,” said Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks.
“We’re proud to support programs like this which ensure that all Victorians can experience the benefits of our creative scene no matter where they live.”
Grants will support presenters to bring live shows, a series of events or an annual program to their communities. The program also works to build local skills by assisting presenters to bring industry professionals to their areas for mentorships and workshops.
Since its launch in 2016, the Small Regional Presenters program has supported more than 100 performances in regional communities across Victoria.
The 14 recipients of the 2025 round of the program include LINK Neighbourhood House Kaniva and Birchip Resource and Learning Centre, who will present children’s performances Dinosaur Time Machine and Garage Girls in towns across Western Victoria.
Arts Mansfield will present Geraldine Quinn in The Passion of Saint Nicholas, while Bruthen Arts and Events Council will present the show as part of the East Gippsland Winter Festival.
Red Rock Regional Theatre and Gallery in Cororooke, western Victoria will host four performances of theatre, music, storytelling and laughter across their 2025 season.
Indigo Shire Council will present a series of creative programs in collaboration with local primary schools including educational performances, a hands-on design workshop and theatre workshop for budding creatives.
The Small Regional Presenters program is a Victorian Government program delivered by Regional Arts Victoria – the state’s peak body for creatives and creative organisations in the regions. For more information, or to see the full list of 2025 recipients, visit: www.creative.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Geraldine Quinn to star in The Passion of Saint Nicholas (supplied)