Platform Arts fosters a creative and inclusive community of artists creating new works at the heart of Geelong’s cultural precinct.
All born and bred Geelongians know the Old Courthouse Building on the corner of Little Malop and Gheringhap Streets. Located in the heart of the Geelong CBD, the iconic white cement building has a rich history in our town.
The building is a living example of ‘if these walls could talk’.
Operating as a police station and courthouse from 1882, in 1996 the building was repurposed as Courthouse Youth Arts. Many relics of its former life remain – a dressing room harbours an iron-clad cell, and heritage doors label the old court and jury rooms.
As a youth arts space, many local musicians played their first Battle of the Bands here during the early 2000’s, where they saw the likes of Silhouette hang a giant spider from the theatre ceiling and watched Revolver & Sun’s metamorphosis into industry giants King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Budding artists lined the old magistrate court-turned-gallery with vibrant artworks and creations.
Now, a new chapter in its rich cultural history is emerging under the banner of Platform Arts, offering a strong contemporary arts program in our cultural precinct.
Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.
Platform Arts are leading the region’s foray into experimental and contemporary art. Under the leadership of Executive Director Ilana Russell, the team has expanded the realm of arts practice developed and presented within their venue and in the wider arts community.
“We’re working with so many talented, genre-defying artists to present exceptional works and arts experiences for local audiences. It’s been really rewarding to open up our organisation these past two years and to work with new generations of artists,” says Ilana Russell.
Their diverse program has something for everyone across exhibitions, performances, music, workshops and talks. In 2022 alone, Platform Arts premiered the new work Anything & Everything at RISING Festival, and announced the launch of the First Nations artist program, YOOKAPA. Their exhibition program turned the entire building into an open gallery, with over 200 artists installing works on walls, ceilings and floors for the durational and chaotic exhibition, After Walter Hopps.
Given Platform Arts’ rapid rise, it’s no surprise that 2023 is shaping up to be their biggest year yet, with eleven curated exhibitions from artists around the country, and a stacked performance program featuring works from Anglesea Performing Arts for The Bleeding Tree this February, and internationally renowned performance company Aphids, presenting their sell-out show, The Director in March.
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“Our diverse program sees us filming burnouts at Avalon Raceway one week and presenting shows at Eastern Beach the next. We’re really committed to exploring works that challenge audience experiences, and frame performance in a new light – often outside of the theatre space itself. This year, expect to laugh, cry, eat Cheezels and dance wildly as part of our season of works,” says Russell.
For artists wanting to engage with the space, their flagship arts development program, Platform LAB, supports artists with studios, mentorship, funding and professional development opportunities over a 12-month period. So far the program has supported 26 artists and collectives to develop, devise and present works. In 2023, LAB will work with seven renowned artists across the country to experiment with new methodologies, undertake research, grow their professional practice, and contribute to contemporary dialogues.
Additionally, their YOOKAPA First Nations program is taking flight. Led by Gunditjmara Keerray Woorroong artist and curator Tarryn Love, YOOKAPA was established to respond to the critical need for more accessible and culturally safe spaces in the community to ensure First Nations futurity in the arts. Their current project is a public art commission for Labuan Square in collaboration with Wurri-Ki Culture artists Nikki McKenzie and Norm Stanley, set to be unveiled in February.
“It has been amazing to see the explosion of creative spaces and offerings in Geelong – it’s such an exciting city to work in and bring artists to. This year we’re focusing on growing our program and audience, and we’re championing artists to present more works in untapped public spaces around our city.” says Ilana Russell.
“We’ve been trying for years now to get access to the former Ford Factory – hopefully 2023 will be our year.”
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Check out Platform Arts program guide under their What’s On website page for details of upcoming events at platformarts.org.au
