Fire up your Creative Engine as Geelong Arts Centre offers over $80,000 in support for Associate Artists

Geelong Arts Centre has issued a call-out for two new Associate Artists to receive over $40,000 in cash support to develop new work and focus on artistic practice - plus up to $15,000 in rehearsal studio time and mentorship support.

This program is aimed at Victorian-based professional live performance artists who need the time, space and resources to investigate a new idea and bring it to life. Applications close 9am, 13 June 2025 via geelongartscentre.org.au/creative-engine.

Under the initiative, two Associate Artists will receive over $40,000 in cash support to research and develop new work, with fees to cover travel and project expenses.

This support includes an artist fee of $25,000 plus 12% super; a $10,000 project budget to engage mentors and collaborators or for other project expenses, plus $4,500 towards travel and accommodation.

Both artists will also receive up to $15,000 value in-kind studio access, as well as and support and mentorship from the Geelong Arts Centre team.

The program provides artists time to focus on their artistic practice, to contribute to Creative Engine program and to deliver workshops and provide guidance to local emerging artists. The Associate Artists will share their new work or project with Geelong audiences and beyond.

The Associate Artist program is designed for established professional artists who have significant experience developing work.

Artists in any live performance medium are encouraged to apply - from theatre and dance to music, digital and community-based practices. First Nations artists and artists from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and additional supports are available.

Last year’s inaugural Associate Artists, choreographer Joel Bray and playwright Dan Giovannoni, praised Geelong Arts Centre’s industry-leading offer.

“Ample brain space, room for dreaming and focused attention are vital. My time as Associate Artist at Geelong Arts Centre has allowed me to dedicate space within my busy freelance writing schedule to focus entirely on developing my new project during its most critical early stages.” said Dan Giovannoni.

Joel Bray described his time at Geelong Arts Centre as Associate Artist as a “game changer”.

“It has allowed me the one thing we almost never get in the arts nowadays: time. Time to think, to play and to build quality local relationships. I'm so grateful to have had this incredible opportunity.”

This artist development initiative reflects Geelong Arts Centre’s commitment to supporting and celebrating artistic talent from emerging to professional, and to nurturing the creative landscape of Geelong and Victoria by providing artists with the tools they need to bring their visions to life.

Apply for Geelong Arts Centre’s game-changing program:

Applications Now Open

Applications Close - 9am, Friday 13 June 2025

Interviews - 26 - 27 June 2025

Program Start Date - July 2025

Visit geelongartscentre.org.au/creative-engine

Geelong Arts Centre’s Associate Artist program is proudly supported by The Ian Potter Foundation.

Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, Major Artistic Partner, Deakin University, and Innovation Partner, Costa Asset Management.

– ENDS –

Quotes Attributable

“The Associate Artist program has shown how Geelong Arts Centre’s support of two Victorian artists has transformed their practice—resulting in bold new work for our audiences and our local community.”

“We’re thrilled to back a new cohort of Associate Artists for 2025 and see their inspired ideas come to life right here in Geelong”.

Quote attributable to CEO & Creative Director, Geelong Arts Centre,
Rhys Holden

“The Ian Potter Foundation are proud to continue our support of the Associate Artist Program at Geelong Arts Centre, with a shared mission to empower professional artists to explore, create, and push boundaries that shape the regional cultural landscape”

Quote attributable to Arts Senior Program Manager, Ian Potter Foundation,
Louise Joel

About Creative Engine:

Launched in 2019, Creative Engine is Geelong Arts Centre’s commitment towards nurturing the creative landscape of Geelong, Victoria and beyond.

Since launching Creative Engine, Geelong Arts Centre has invested in 848 Victorian artists, developed 130 projects, delivered 82 grants, 34 professional development initiatives and six co-commissions.

The support provided for Victorian artists through Creative Engine covers funding, development and commissions as well as venue hire, staff and equipment costs to the value of $1.2 Million.

To find out more about Geelong Art Centre’s Creative Engine visit geelongartscentre.org.au/creative-engine

About the Ian Potter Foundation:

The Ian Potter Foundation is one of Australia’s major philanthropic foundations. The Foundation makes grants nationally to support charitable organisations working to benefit the community across a wide range of sectors including the arts, medical research, public health research, early childhood development, community wellbeing and environmental science. The Ian Potter Foundation aims to support and promote a fair, healthy, sustainable and vibrant Australia.