One year after their grand reopening, Geelong Arts Centre are still seeing the sprouts of their labour.
Geelong Arts Centre have been honoured by the Australian Performing Arts Exchange this week, receiving the crown of Performing Arts Centre of the Year at the 2024 IMPACT Awards. Held at the winning venue on Wednesday 21 August, the accolade comes during a week of celebrations for Geelong Arts Centre as they hit the first anniversary of its transformative $180 million redevelopment.
Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.
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Having previously received the award in 2011, Geelong Arts Centre is the first venue to receive the prestigious honour twice. This time the award comes in recognition of the mammoth reconstruction and refurbishment effort of the Little Malop Street multi-art space, becoming a state-of-the-art facility and spearheading pivotal programs for the arts sector.
In a ceremony that bestowed a total of nine awards, Geelong Arts Centre was recognised for its redevelopment, co-designed with ARM Architects, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, and the wider First Nations community. The arts centre’s ground-breaking program fostering pathways for local artists, Creative Engine, was also highlighted as a key factor in its success. Fittingly, the award was presented to Geelong Arts Centre within their very own space; the first time the award ceremony has been held at the winning venue, only adding to their exemplary efforts and building on from the milestone year of celebrations.
Of the award success, CEO and Creative Director Geelong Arts Centre, Rhys Holden says, “Winning this award for the second time is beyond exciting, but what really gets us going is seeing the impact of projects like Creative Engine. We’re seeing local artists take their works to international stages, and that’s what it’s all about – nurturing talent and watching it soar. The redevelopment wasn’t just about building a space, but rather creating a home. A place where everyone in Geelong and beyond can come together, celebrate culture, and see themselves reflected in the arts.”
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Their first year anniversary marks a significant milestone for the centre. Across the past twelve months Geelong Arts Centre has played a vital role in the activation of the Geelong arts industry through a diverse range of performances, events and professional development programs that have fostered and enriched the local community. They have welcomed over 256,000 visitors in its first year, attracting both national and international talent and bringing world-class performances into the heart of Geelong CBD.
This award is not just a testament to Geelong Arts Centre’s architectural and programmatic achievements but also a celebration of the community’s active participation and enthusiasm for the arts. As Geelong Arts Centre continues to open its doors to world-class talent, the community is invited to embrace the diverse cultural experiences on offer. For the rest of the year, they will be showcasing a range of events including presenting the 2024 Wonder Children’s Festival and hosting acclaimed shows including Fourteen, Superstars Live with Kate Ceberano and Jon Stevens and so much more.
For further information regarding Geelong Arts Centre’s upcoming events and to keep up to date with the latest announcements, sign up to the e-newsletter at geelongartscentre.org.au.
