Launchpad

Is your work ready for that next stage? (pun intended)

Applications for Creative Engine's Launchpad open 10 February 2025.

Straight off the back of our inaugural (and hugely successful) Launchpad initiative, we are excited to announce that we’re giving artists another opportunity to develop and present their new works in development in ‘The Open House’.

Launchpad is a new initiative under Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine program geared towards creating more pathways for artists to professional practice by bridging the gap between developing new work and having the platform to stage it.

This new initiative gives artists the opportunity to rehearse, test and present new work to audiences in a professional theatre setting.

Launchpad will provide up to three artists or creative teams with access to The Open House for up to two performances or presentations, with an additional five rehearsal days in the centre’s studio spaces.

Selected artists will also receive technical, marketing, front-of-house and ticketing support, along with general artistic development support from Geelong Art Centre's programming team.

Artists will take 100% box office sales (less booking fees, credit card charges and GST) and will have consultation with the Programming team to help determine ticket prices.

Key Dates

Applications Open - Monday 10 February 2025
Applications Close - 9am, Monday 10 March 2025
Successful applicants notified - TBC
Marketing Assets Due - TBC

Presenting Dates

Performances/presentations (as well as bump in and tech) will take place in The Open House at Geelong Arts Centre. 2025 dates to be advised.

We're looking for artists or creative teams with a new work that is ready for its next stage of development.

The work could be a show-ready presentation or performance (small scale or simplified fully realised production) or a development showing or reading that has already had significant development and/or rehearsal

Cabaert of Calm by Helen Duncan, Cameron Grant Parenthesy (3)

The Offer

  • Access to one of Geelong Arts Centre’s studios for up to five days of rehearsal
  • Access to The Open House Theatre for a minimum of one, maximum two performances/presentations in October
  • Artists will be provided with $1,000 towards production costs. Artists must outline how they will spend this fee in their application
  • Artist development mentorship, support and guidance from the Geelong Arts Centre Programming team
  • Marketing and promotion of the presentation/performance, using Geelong Arts Centre's owned channels, database and Marketing team support
  • Technical support including production meetings and for bump in/tech on the presentation/performance day/s, a Lighting and Audio technician to support Artists’ presentations while in the theatre
  • General admission seating of up to 120 pax in the stalls and 58 pax in the mezzanine depending on stage configuration and sight lines
  • Artists will receive 100% of box office sales after inside charges (GST, booking fees and credit card charges). The Programming team will work with artists to determine ticket prices or artists may choose to present a development showing free of charge for audiences
  • Ticketing, Box Office and front-of-house management
  • Ticket sales via the Geelong Arts Centre website
  • Foyer bar will open 1 hour prior to performances
Go No G by Go No Go Circus, Cameron Grant Parenthesy

What we'll need from selected artists

  • Artists need to apply via the online form and must include their pitch and supporting materials including, project description, creative team bios, script/script excerpts, examples of previous work, outline of technical requirements
  • Participation in planning and producing meetings with the Programming team to finalise marketing, ticketing and scheduling details
  • Participation in pre-production meetings with our Programming and Technical teams to finalise technical requirements and scheduling
  • Ticket pricing to be determined by the Programming team in consultation with artists
  • Marketing copy and images along with any other promotional materials requested
  • Artists availability to present their work on the nominated dates
  • Outline of proposed tech requirements i.e. proposed lighting, sound design plans, in line with technical specifications of the Open House
  • Finalised creative team details and biographies including stage door list
  • Public Liability Insurance cover of $20 million (Geelong Arts Centre can support artists in ways to find PLI cover)
_PNC-4165-3-12_LR-2

Assessment & Selection Criteria

  • A connection to Geelong and the G21 region in terms of audiences, place and artists
  • Artists must demonstrate the need for the presentation in relation to the development of their work and their artistic practice
  • Strong, articulate artistic visions and creative teams will be highly regarded
  • We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people from Disabled and d/Deaf communities, and people from LGBTQIA+ communities
  • Applications will be assessed via a panel of assessors including representatives from the Geelong Arts Centre and independent industry peers

Applications for Creative Engine's Launchpad open 10 February 2025