Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine unviels new Associate Artists and Grant recipients

Geelong Arts Centre’s artistic development program is announcing its inaugural Associate Artists, and the latest recipients of the Creative Engine Grants and Launchpad initiative.

Geelong Arts Centre is proud to highlight its continued commitment to fostering artistic talent with this announcement, particularly their first-ever Associate Artists, and a new grant supporting Cultura’s new initiative, The Multicultural Youth Council Working Group.

These artist development initiatives reflect the 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.

ASSOCIATE ARTISTS

Geelong Arts Centre is delighted to announce Joel Bray and Dan Giovannoni as the first-ever Associate Artists of Creative Engine. Proudly supported by The Ian Potter Foundation and Creative Victoria, this milestone marks a significant step in the Centre’s mission to cultivate and support artistic development within the region through innovative artistic residencies.

As established artists, Joel and Dan will dedicate time and resources to the development of new work, engaging in an intensive period of research and creative exploration. Their role will extend beyond their personal projects, as they contribute to the Creative Engine program by working closely with local artists, Creative Engine grant recipients and Launchpad participants.

Joel Bray is known for his ability to transform everyday spaces into immersive performances, weaving his Wiradjuri heritage into bold, dance-theatre experiences, whilst Dan Giovannoni is recognised for his talent in crafting stories that move effortlessly between the magical and the real, captivating audiences from circus tents to theatres worldwide.

Bringing these artists into the arts centre aims to challenge and push the boundaries of artistic practice within Geelong. Sharing their expertise, Dan and Joel will mentor, inspire and help to elevate the work of other creatives in the region.

Find out more about Joel Bray, Dan Giovannoni and their work here.

LAUNCHPAD

Geelong Arts Centre is proud to reveal the two new local creative projects recently developed and presented as part of the Launchpad initiative.

Benefiting from access to mentorship, state-of-the-art facilities, technical support, marketing and content creation, Launchpad provides artists with the invaluable opportunity to rehearse, test and present new work to audiences in a professional theatre setting.

The Launchpad Initiative recently helped with the creative developments of:

- Parasail by Kath Dolheguy
- Good Man by Connor Morel

Meet the artists and explore their works here.

CREATIVE ENGINE GRANTS

Alongside Launchpad, a new round of Creative Engine Grants has been awarded to nine exceptional projects, each bringing fresh perspectives and creativity to their fields.

Offering $71,000 of cash and in-kind studio space, these grants assist individuals and groups who are looking to create, workshop and develop new and exciting work.

This round’s grant recipients are:

Ignition Recipients
- Permission Granted by Jessica Lesosky
- Lights, Camera, Séance by Libby Brockman

Jump Start Recipients
- Playground by Zoee Marsh

Place to Make Recipients
- Milk by Samantha Lester
- SWARM by Melinda Chapman
- Swing Lake by Xavier McGettigan
- Fosterville by Josh Mitchell

Additional Grants
- Shiprite by Creative Occupation Collective
- Cultura Youth Working Group by Cultura

Discover the visionaries behind the work and learn more about their creative journeys here.

ABOUT CREATIVE ENGINE

Launched in 2019, Creative Engine is Geelong Arts Centre’s support base for creatives, nurturing the creative landscape of Geelong, Victoria and beyond.

Since launching, Geelong Arts Centre has invested in 848 Victorian artists, developed 130 projects, delivered 82 grants, 34 professional development initiatives and 6 co-commissions.

The support provided into 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.

Geelong Arts Centre’s Launchpad, Associate Artist and Artist Intensive programs are 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.

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

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Quotes Attributable

"Geelong is home to some of the most talented and innovative artists, and through these Creative Engine initiatives, we are empowering them to reach new heights. I’m thrilled to see these exciting projects take shape and look forward to the impact they will have on our community and the wider creative landscape."

Quote attributable to Member for Geelong,
Christine Couzens

“At its heart, Creative Engine offers professional artists opportunities to explore, create and innovate. By nurturing artists throughout their creative journey, we want Geelong Arts Centre to play a role in securing the future of Australia’s vibrant and diverse cultural community. We’re so excited to have these diverse artists bring their bold, inspired and engaging works to life, right here in Geelong.”

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

“Creativity is the lifeblood of Geelong Arts Centre, and we’re thrilled to support such a large cohort of artists this year. The artists we're backing through these initiatives represent a rich tapestry of artistic forms, and we look forward to fostering their growth and impact.”

Quotes attributable to Geelong Arts Centre Head of Programming,
Penny McCabe