Construction is officially underway on Geelong Arts Centre’s Church Redevelopment Project, marking an exciting milestone for its transformation into Geelong’s new home for live music, comedy, theatre, dance, and performance.
Set to open in early 2026, the redeveloped church on Ryrie Street will be a dedicated space for independent and emerging artists, providing an intimate, artist-led venue to nurture diverse voices and support sustainable regional artistic careers.
Once hidden behind the former Band of Hope building, the historic façade of the Church will remain a defining feature as it was restored as part of Geelong Arts Centre’s Ryrie Street redevelopment, funded by the Victorian Government in 2019. The Church interior, however, will undergo significant structural, and compliance works as well as acoustic treatment and upgrades.
Geelong Arts Centre has recently appointed award-winning local builders, Plan Group, to deliver the interior redevelopment project alongside Project Manager, AEN Advisory and LIMINAL Architecture. During the construction phase, the project team are monitoring plans closely to minimise disruption for the locality and Arts Precinct.
Further information and updates on The Church Redevelopment will be updated regularly at geelongartscentre.org.au/about-us/churchredevelopment-project.
The project is well on its way to fruition, committed through many generous donations to The Church Giving Campaign. In the face of rising construction and operational costs, fundraising efforts continue to support the project. This will ensure Geelong Arts Centre can deliver an affordable venue hire model for artists, along with the provision of essential operational and audio equipment before the official opening early in 2026.
By contributing to this cause, donors not only make an immediate impact but also create a legacy for the future of the arts in Geelong, nurturing creativity for generations to come. All donations over $2 are tax deductible, and there is a myriad of ways to contribute listed on the Geelong Arts Centre website. Together, we’re building something extraordinary.
For further information regarding Geelong Arts Centre’s Church redevelopment, visit geelongartscentre.org.au
Geelong Arts Centre is proudly supported by Creative Victoria, and our Church redevelopment project has been enabled by our generous donors through the Church Giving Campaign.
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Quotes Attributable
“We are very grateful for the generosity of our philanthropic supporters who have made this milestone possible. Together we share a deep commitment to preserving The Church’s rich history while celebrating its rebirth as a vibrant hub for Geelong’s emerging musical artists”
Quote attributable to Chair, Geelong Performing Arts Trust,
Lesley Alway
“We’ve listened to our local musicians and artists, and we know that access to affordable performance spaces is key to fostering a thriving creative scene,”
“This venue will serve as an incubator for live performance, ensuring emerging talent has the space and support needed to develop and showcase their work.”
Quotes attributable to CEO & Creative Director, Geelong Arts Centre
Rhys Holden
“We have been proud to invest in Geelong Arts Centre’s transformation into the largest dedicated regional arts centre in Australia, and an extraordinary creative hub for the Geelong region.
“This transformation was always a partnership with the community, and I welcome the generous donors and supporters who have contributed to The Church Giving Campaign.
“It is wonderful that this historic venue will now help to shape the future of our talented artists and performers.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries,
Colin Brooks
“This exciting redevelopment will preserve Geelong’s heritage while creating a vibrant, accessible, and affordable performance space that strengthens our city’s reputation as a thriving creative hub.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong,
Christine Couzens
“As a proud donor to the Church Giving Campaign, I’m excited to see this vision come to fruition. I encourage others to pledge their support to ensure Geelong Arts Centre reaches its fundraising goals for this much-needed home for emerging local musicians and performers”
Quote attributable to The Church Giving Campaign Patron,
Rob Costa
About The Church Giving Campaign:
Geelong Arts Centre invites the Geelong community to contribute to transforming the interior of the Church, and in turn the artistic prospects of Geelong’s incredible pool of creative talent.
The Church Giving Campaign focuses on the interior redevelopment of the mid-1800s Church located in the heart of the Geelong Arts Centre creative campus.
Building on the investment provided by the Victorian State Government and an array of generous donors, the campaign provides a chance to maximise opportunities for the next generation of artists and creatives with the implementation of a cabaret-style performance venue and artist support spaces.
For more information and to donate, visit the Church Giving Campaign page on our website.