MEDIA RELEASE • 22 AUGUST 2024
The Australian Performing Arts Exchange (APAX) has announced Geelong Arts Centre as the Performing Arts Centre of the Year at the 2024 IMPACT Awards, held at Geelong Arts Centre on Wednesday, 21 August. The accolade comes as the arts centre celebrates the first anniversary of its transformative $180 million redevelopment.
In a ceremony that bestowed a total of nine awards, Geelong Arts Centre was recognised for its redevelopment, co-designed with ARM Architects, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, and the wider First Nations community. The arts centre's groundbreaking program fostering pathways for local artists, Creative Engine, was also highlighted as a key factor in its success.
The past twelve months at the newly redeveloped Geelong Arts Centre have been a vibrant and transformative period, marked by a diverse range of performances and events that have enriched the local community.
Welcoming over 256,000 visitors in its first year, the state-of-the-art facilities have attracted both national and international talent, bringing world-class performances to Geelong's doorstep.
Geelong Arts Centre is the first venue to receive this prestigious award twice, having previously won in 2011.
This occasion marks the first time the award ceremony has been held at the winning venue, adding to the arts centre's celebration of its one year anniversary since the redevelopment.
This award is not just a testament to the arts centre's architectural and programmatic achievements but also a celebration of the community's active participation and enthusiasm for the arts. As Geelong Arts Centre continues to open its doors to world-class talent, the community is invited to embrace the diverse cultural experiences on offer.
For further information regarding Geelong Arts Centre's upcoming events and to keep up to date with the latest announcements, sign up to the e-newsletter at geelongartscentre.org.au.
Bookings can be made via the website, or by phoning the Box Office on 1300 251 200 between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Geelong Arts Centre is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and Major Artistic Partner, Deakin University.
-ENDS-
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE
“Winning this award for the second time is beyond exciting, but what really gets us going is seeing the impact of projects like Creative Engine. We’re seeing local artists take their works to international stages, and that’s what it's all about – nurturing talent and watching it soar.”
The redevelopment wasn’t just about building a space, but rather creating a home. A place where everyone in Geelong and beyond can come together, celebrate culture, and see themselves reflected in the arts.”
Quotes attributable to CEO and Creative Director Geelong Arts Centre,
Rhys Holden
FURTHER INFORMATION
ABOUT THE CO-DESIGN
Coming together as co-designers, Geelong Arts Centre, ARM Architecture, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and the wider First Nations community identified opportunities for cultural reflection in the building’s design, economic development and employment opportunities, culturally relevant programming, inclusivity and accessibility.
Four key artworks were commissioned including an intricate eel mural in café Tutti by proud Worimi artist, Gerard Black, the powerful truthtelling exterior panels featured on the building's Western Facade by Wadawurrung Woman and contemporary artist, Kait James, the immersive soundscape on the buildings main level by proud Ngarrindjeri and Gunditjmara artist, Mick Ryan, and the perforated panel walls in The Story House theatre by proud Gunditjmara Keerray Woorroong artist, Tarryn Love.
The arts centre’s transformation has spurred increased local engagement, fostered new artistic collaborations, and enhanced the region's cultural profile. To learn more about the co-design, head to https://geelongartscentre.org.au/about-us/little-malop-street-redevelopment/
ABOUT CREATIVE ENGINE
Creative Engine is Geelong Arts Centre’s support base for creatives, fostering pathways for local talent to professional artistic practice through funding opportunities, workshops, professional development, networking and events.
Creative Engine has supported 75 projects over the last 4 years, leading to several world premieres and international tours, significantly enhancing regional cultural development, artistic growth and innovation.
Creative Engine continues to expand and lead the sector in nurturing artists and producing high quality works with a fusion of funding through The Ian Potter Foundation. New initiatives in the program include: Launchpad, allowing artists to test and showcase new work in a professional theatre setting without financial risks; Associate Artists, offering access to studios, mentoring, and two 12-month contracts for practice development; and an Artist Intensive, supporting 30 Geelong/Bellarine artists with skill development and industry mentorship.
To learn more about Creative Engine, head to https://geelongartscentre.org.au/creative-engine/
Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine Launchpad, Associate Artist and Artist Residency 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.