This August, Geelong's live music scene gains a vital new home. Church is an intimate performance venue built for independent artists to experiment and grow – meticulously restored, professionally supported and launching with an inaugural slate of gigs that sets the tone for what's to come.
Originally built in the 1800s, Church has been carefully restored and reimagined as an intimate live performance venue, celebrating the raw power of gigs, comedy, theatre and dance. As part of Geelong Arts Centre’s Church Redevelopment Project, the building has undergone extensive restoration and upgrades, including structural works, acoustic treatment and a complete internal fit-out, ensuring it can serve artists and audiences for generations to come.
On Tuesday, 04 August, Geelong Arts Centre hosted a special donor preview evening in Church to celebrate the generosity of the Costa family and Geelong Arts Centre's philanthropic supporters, who made the project possible. Guests enjoyed an exclusive look inside the newly restored venue they helped bring to life, with sets by local artists Daisy Kilbourne and Operation Karma. Geelong Arts Centre officially announced the dedication of Church in honour of the late Kevin Costa (1944-2022), and two plaques were unveiled at the entrances to the historic Ryrie Street building, formally naming it Kevin Costa Church.
The building’s tribute to Kevin Costa acknowledges his deep and enduring commitment to Geelong community and the arts. A highly respected community leader and philanthropist, Kevin dedicated his time, expertise and support to numerous organisations across the region. He was the founding Director and Chair of the St Joseph's College Foundation, serving for more than 20 years, and supported causes including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Anam Cara House Geelong, Gateways, Rice Village Aged Care and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Throughout his life, he was also a passionate supporter of Geelong Arts Centre and the region's creative community.
Church is more than a venue, it represents a new model of support for artists. By removing upfront venue hire costs and providing technical, production and marketing support through Geelong Arts Centre, Church creates opportunities for artists to bring ambitious work to the stage without carrying the financial risks often associated with live performance. The ambition is to create a vibrant new cultural destination that delivers authentic, unforgettable experiences while fostering a thriving local creative community.
Geelong Arts Centre CEO and Creative Director Rhys Holden said "Kevin Costa made an extraordinary contribution to Geelong through his generosity, leadership and longstanding commitment to the community," Rhys said.
"His support for the arts, and his belief in what Church could offer the region, helped make this new venue possible. It feels truly fitting for Church to now proudly bear his name."
Brad Costa made a heartwarming tribute to his father Kevin on the night and said the family was honoured by the recognition.
"Dad (Kevin) cared deeply about Geelong, its people and its future, so it is incredibly meaningful to see his name carried forward through a venue that will support local artists and bring the community together."
The opening of Church marks a significant milestone for Geelong Arts Centre and reflects years of planning, restoration and community support. Through the generosity of the Costa family and Geelong Arts Centre's philanthropic community, fundraising efforts for the project have exceeded $3 million.
As Church prepares to welcome artists and audiences through its doors from Friday, 14 August, it does so as a testament to the power of philanthropy and a shared belief in the future of arts and culture in our region.
To learn more about Church head on over to our sister site at www.churchgeelong.com.au or follow along on Instagram @churchgeelong