Launchpad 2.0

Applications are now open for our industry-leading Creative Engine program, returning in a new format as Launchpad 2.0.

We're launching the next evolution of Creative Engine with our expanded artist development initiative, Launchpad 2.0.

Building on a significant year of artist support in 2025, the refreshed program streamlines smaller grant rounds into one richer, year-round funding and mentorship opportunity, supporting eight performance-based artists.

From theatre, scriptwriting to dance, music, digital and community-based practices, artists across all live performance mediums from Geelong or with a connection to the region are encouraged to apply.

Launchpad 2.0 applications open once annually, closing at 5pm on Sunday 5 October. This refreshed program replaces all previous smaller grant round periods.

As a part of Launchpad 2.0, successful artists will share in an impressive pool of $214,000 cash and in-kind benefits that include from $8,000 in cash support across 12 months and more than $18,000 of in-kind rehearsal studio time, theatre access and mentorship support for each artist.

These essential benefits provide artists with the time and resources to develop and refine original ideas — from early exploration right through to presentation.

Throughout the year, successful recipients will develop a new work across three stages of creative development, alongside mentorship and a tailored series of workshops, culminating in a work-in-progress presentation to Geelong audiences and beyond.

First Nations artists and artists from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and additional supports are available.

Key Dates

Applications Open - Monday 8 September 2025
Applications Close - 5pm, Sunday 5 October 2025

Development and Presentation Dates

Development phase #1: January - March 2026
Development phase #2: April- June 2026
Development phase #3: July-October 2026
Public development showings: October 2026

For independent artists with an original concept they wish to develop, refine and present.

The Offer

$8,000 in cash per project, provided over three development periods over 12 months:

• Development #1 (Jan - Mar) $2,000
• Development #2 (Apr - Jun) $2,000
• Development #3 (Jul – Oct) $4,000 including the public development showing

Studio access during all three development periods (up to 6 days per period), in kind value of $18,750

Access to The Open House for development showing (October)

Four professional and creative skills workshops

Mentorship sessions Geelong Arts Centre’s Associate Artists, Keziah Warner and Bron Batten

Artist development support and guidance from the Geelong Arts Centre’s programming team

Access to co-working and meeting spaces

Monthly cohort check-in meetings

Networking opportunities with the wider Creative Engine community of creatives

Complimentary tickets to select Rewire and main season shows

12 month Artist Pass membership in 2026

What we're looking for

Independent artists with an original concept they wish to develop over 12 months, program culminating in a public showing

Artists across all live performance mediums from Geelong or with a connection to the region are encouraged to apply - from theatre, scriptwriting to dance, music, digital and community-based practices

Artists will be expected to have detailed project plans and to engage collaborators to develop the work

Artists must commit to the full duration of the program and attend the outlined

First Nations artists and artists from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and additional supports are available

Applications will be assessed via a panel of assessors including representatives from the Geelong Arts Centre and independent industry peers

Expectations & Requirements

Participation in planning meetings with Geelong Arts Centre’s Programming team

Clear planning for the three phases of the project development

Completion of all studio rehearsal periods during allotted eligible times (agreed upon at time of program acceptance)

A public showing of approximately 30 minutes in The Open House, following the third development phase

Creative teams will be built if not already existing

Public Liability Insurance cover of $20 million (Geelong Arts Centre can support artists in ways to find PLI cover)

Attend monthly cohort check-in meetings with fellow program participants and networking sessions with the wider Creative Engine community of creatives

Compulsory attendance at all provided professional and creative skills workshops

Attend all mentor sessions – times to be mutually agreed with artists

Attend a photo opportunity with fellow program participants (date TBC)

Completion of an acquittal at the conclusion of the program

Completion of an annual artists survey for 4 years following the program

Studio development & public showing availibility

Applicants must be available for at least one week of each of the below development phases and public showing periods (access to the studios will be between 8am – 4pm, extended hours are dependent on availability and can be discussed).

Development #1 (Feb - Mar)

Feb: Mon 9 - Sat 14
Feb: Mon 16 -Sat 21
Feb: Mon 23 - Sat 28
Mar: Mon 2 - Sat 7
Mar: Tues 10 - Sat 14
Mar: Mon 16 - Sat 21
Mar: Mon 23 - Sat 28

Development #2 (Apr - Jun)

April: Mon 7- Sat 11
April: Mon 13 - Sat 18
April; Mon 20 - Fri 24
May: Mon 4 - Sat 9
May: Mon 11 - Sat 16
May: Mon 18 - Sat 23
May: Mon 25 - Sat 30
June: Mon 1 - 6 June
June: Mon 15 - Sat 20
June: Mon 22 - Sat 27

Development #3 (Jun-Oct)

Jun/Jul: Mon 29 - Sat 4
Jul: Mon 6 - Sat 11
Aug: Mon 3 - Sat 8
Aug: Mon 10 - Sat 15
Aug: Mon 17 - Sat 22
Aug: Mon 24 - Sat 29
Sep: Mon 31 - Sat 5 Sep
Sep/Oct: Mon 28 - Sat 3
Oct: Mon 5 - Sat 10
Oct: Mon 12 - Sat 17

Public showing (Sep/Oct)

Sep/Oct: Tue 29 - Sun 4
Oct: Mon 5 - Sun 11
Oct: Mon 19 - Sun 25

Selection Criteria

Connection
To Geelong and the G21 region in terms of audiences, place and artists

Artistic Merit and Innovation
Clear and innovative artistic visions and collaborations will be highly regarded

Need
Artists must demonstrate the need for participation in the program in relation to the development of the work and their/their collaborators artistic practice and career development.

Planning
Strong applications will have articulately outlined plans and milestones to reach their creative ambitions for their project, and will have provided detailed budgets

We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people from Disabled and d/Deaf communities, people from low-income communities and people from LGBTQIA+ communities.

How to apply

Applications for Creative Engine's Launchpad 2.0 are now open via the link below

Applicants that require a different application method are invited to contact Geelong Arts Centre to discuss this – we are committed to making application processes as accessible as possible and will work with interested applicants to facilitate this, please get in touch via creativeengine@geelongartscentre.org.au

Apply Here

Key Information

Launchpad 2 0 Key Information

PDF1.6 MB

Launchpad 2 0 Budget Template

XLSX23.4 kB

Launchpad 2.0 is supported by

Creative Engine is supported by

The Victorian Government

Major Artistic Partner

Innovation Partner