MEDIA RELEASE • 21 JANUARY 2022
Here to inspire creativity and support positive risk-taking for artists and creatives with a strong connection to the G21 region, applications will open for the first Geelong Arts Centre Creative Engine grant round of 2022 on Friday 28 January.
Totalling $12,000 in financial grants and over $30,000 of value-in-kind studio and co-working space access at the arts centre’s landmark Ryrie Street building, the six available grant packages focus on supporting emerging artists with strong ties to the G21 region as they pursue development of new and exciting work.
Available packages include:
- 2 x Ignition: 2 x $5,000 plus in-kind studio access (up to 76 hours), in-kind co-working and meeting space access, and mentoring opportunities
- 2 x Jump Start: $1,000 plus in-kind studio access (up to 38 hours) and in-kind co-working and meeting space access
- 2 x Place to Make: In-kind studio access (up to 38 hours) and and in-kind co-working and meeting space access
Applications are welcomed from practising artists across all artforms looking to develop new works, and cross-genre projects are highly encouraged.
First Nations artists, artists of diverse backgrounds and artists with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Grant applications will open from 9:00am Friday 28 January and will close at 5:00pm Friday 18 February (3 weeks), with successful projects notified on Friday 4 March.
Projects awarded a grant in this round must complete their development prior to December 16 2022. Further details regarding the application process and eligibility requirements can be found on the Creative Engine website.
To be successful, applications must demonstrate an ability to meet the program’s three selection criteria: Connection, Innovation and Thoughtfulness.
Launched in October 2019, Creative Engine supports Geelong Arts Centre’s strategic vision to build sustainable arts practices within regional Victoria and become ‘The Creative Heart of Geelong: an artery between creative industries and community to global thinking and extraordinary experiences.’
In addition to grants and support initiatives, Creative Engine provides access to workshops, masterclasses, industry forums, networking events and affordable co-working space for the creative community of Geelong.
Creative Engine will offer regular grant rounds to invest in emerging projects produced by those with a strong connection to the Greater Geelong region.
Geelong Arts Centre is proud to provide financial and value-in-kind support through Creative Engine that allows emerging artists to bring bold ideas to life, and strengthens our region’s already glowing cultural reptuation.
Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine is proud to have already supported a number of works by local creatives including contemporary dance company Blink Dance Theatre, dynamic performing arts entity Bravo Arts, Andre Jewson and Gunditjmara theatre-maker Tom Molyneux.
Updates regarding development of works supported by Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine can be found at geelongartscentre.org.au/creative-engine/projects-supported-creative-engine/
To learn more about the Creative Engine program and current opportunities, visit geelongartscentre.org.au/creative-engine/
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE
“Providing support for a diverse range of artists to develop unique and inspiring works is critical to ensuring that the calibre of creative output in Geelong continues to move from strength to strength.
Local practitioners continue to play a pivotal role in showcasing the significance of the arts within our region, contributing to vibrancy and wellbeing for our community, and we are proud of our contribution through this initiative.”
Quote attributable to Geelong Arts Centre CEO & Creative Director, Joel McGuinness
“Opportunities for creative growth - not only through financial support, but also through access to state of the art spaces, access to a network that encourages taking risks, opportunities to seek out the sage advice of industry leaders – this is where we see the Creative Engine difference. We are here to invest in emerging artists in ways that not only support their current projects, but will allow them to continue developing holistically as artists beyond the funding period.”
Quote attributable to Geelong Arts Centre Senior Producer, Penny McCabe
“I honestly have nothing but good things to say. It was a real privilege to be trusted to use the magnificent studio and co-working spaces with minimal supervision, and especially to be able to access the co-working space out of conventional business hours. The Creative Engine producers were incredibly supportive and approachable the entire time, as were all the operations staff.”
“In terms of staff support, resources, time, and funding - this is by far the most supportive development opportunity I have received to date.”
Quote attributable to Elias Jamieson Brown
2021 Creative Engine grant recipient: Ignition
DETAILED GRANT INFORMATION
KEY DATES
APPLICATIONS OPEN: 9:00am, Fri 28 Jan
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 5:00pm, Fri 18 Feb
SELECTED PROJECTS NOTIFIED: Fri 4 Mar
IGNITION
Ignition grants are designed for projects that are in the early stages of creation and need support in transitioning from creative development to preparation for presentation.
Successful applicants will receive:
- Cash contribution: up to $5,000
- Access to rehearsal studio spaces (maximum of 76 hours)
- Access to co-working and meeting spaces
- Mentoring opportunities with leading independent practitioners
- Opportunity for an informal progress showing, however this is not a requirement
JUMP START
Do you have a burning idea that you are keen to explore? We’re offering once off Jump Start cash grants and access to performance and co-working spaces for innovative concepts to play and explore their ideas further.
Successful applicants will receive:
- Cash contribution up to $1,000
- Access to performance and rehearsal studio spaces (maximum of 38 hours)
- Access to co-working and meeting spaces
- Opportunity for an informal progress showing, however this is not a requirement
PLACE TO MAKE
Whether you need space for workshops, concept development or networking, the Place to Make initiative is designed to offer a testing ground for creatives and companies to sample and refine ideas.
Successful applicants will receive:
- Access to performance and rehearsal studio spaces (maximum of 38 hours)
- Access to co-working and meeting spaces