Premier

A Creative Transformation For Geelong

22 March 2018

Geelong’s creative industries will be inspired to transform underutilised spaces into new cultural hubs as part of new initiatives supported by the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley and Member for Geelong Christine Couzens today visited the Geelong Performing Arts Centre to announce new $250,000 in funding to support the local creative sector.

The money will support both the Creative Geelong and Renew Geelong programs over the next two years.

Creative Geelong will receive $100,000 to develop and expand the impact of its Makers Hub in Centrepoint Arcade.

The Makers Hub has become a much-loved collaborative space for Geelong’s creative community – made up of a range of workshops, studios and creative spaces for artists and community groups.

It also creates opportunities for Victorians of all ages to develop their skills and ideas.

Renew Australia will receive $150,000 to deliver the Renew Geelong program – which works with the community to turn vacant, under-utilised properties into creative spaces where local artists can thrive.

Creative Geelong and Renew Geelong will work in collaboration to deliver economic, social and cultural benefits to the local community. Both projects have been backed by the City of Greater Geelong.

Minister Foley also introduced the new Chair of the Geelong Performing Arts Centre Trust, Lesley Alway, one of Australia’s most experienced cultural leaders.

Geelong’s design credentials were internationally recognised last year after the city was named a UNESCO City of Design.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley

“Geelong has quickly established its reputation as one of our state’s great cultural hubs – and the future couldn’t be brighter.”

“The town’s creative industries are quickly gaining momentum, and we’re proud to be supporting these new initiatives to unlock new creative spaces and help local artists shine.”

Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens

"The Andrews Government is not only backing the big projects like the redevelopment of GPAC, we're supporting grass-roots projects as well. It’s all part of the creative revitalisation of Geelong."

Quote attributable to City of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor Peter Murrihy

“The City of Greater Geelong is very proud to back these independent projects – supporting local creative industries and artists, and bringing more colour and life to our CBD.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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