Geelong Arts Centre has officially opened its transformed Little Malop Street building, marking a significant milestone after more than four years of visionary design, construction, and collaboration.
The spotlight is officially on Geelong as the city’s cultural heart unveils the stunning transformation of its Little Malop Street building.
After more than four years of visionary design, meticulous construction, and spirited collaboration, Geelong Arts Centre rolled out its red carpet over the weekend, representing a remarkable milestone for the $140 million redevelopment, backed by the Victorian Government, ushering in a new era of creativity, culture, and entertainment.
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The Little Malop Street Redevelopment has been a labour of love that embraced collaboration, community consultation, and innovation.
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A dynamic co-design effort emerged among the Geelong Arts Centre, ARM Architecture, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, and the broader First Nations community. These forces united to imbue the building with a profound connection to the land, weaving traditional stories of the land, water, and sky, and even the hues of Moonah trees, ochre, and granite stone into the very fabric of the structure.
A highlight is certainly The Story House, a 550-seat theatre that can expand to 850 seats for “live gig” mode. Alongside this is The Open House, a contemporary hybrid venue boasting 250 seats. Its dynamic and colourful foyer and bar facilities create an inviting atmosphere, seamlessly connecting with Little Malop Street Plaza. The venue’s alfresco dining options on Little Malop Street further add to the allure of the Geelong Arts Centre.
One of the most exciting design elements of the Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop Street Redevelopment is the presentation of specially commissioned artworks within the building’s spaces by four extraordinary First Nations artists; Kait James, Tarryn Love, Mick Ryan and Gerard Black.
Located inside the Geelong Arts Centre, the new Tutti has also arrived. Derived from the Italian term meaning “with all voices or instruments performing together,” Tutti is poised to become an essential experience for both food enthusiasts and culture aficionados. Beyond being a mere restaurant, Tutti embodies the very essence of collaboration, uniting the culinary arts with the broader artistic symphony that envelops the Geelong Arts Centre.
Tutti is Geelong’s vibrant new dining destination with local ingredients and a Michelin-trained chef
With a flourish of artistic flair, the Grand Opening Festival is now on and primed to captivate audiences and infuse Geelong’s cultural landscape with exhilaration. As the curtain rises on this unforgettable occasion, attendees will be treated to a mesmerising series of performances spanning music, comedy, and theatre. From August 19 onward, Geelong Arts Centre will host a month-long celebration, spotlighting an eclectic array of talent that promises to capture hearts and stir the soul.
The festival promises a captivating medley of events, both free and ticketed, designed to engage community members of all stripes. A vibrant community open day will showcase local talent, offering backstage tours and more. Reflecting its commitment to fostering creativity and cultural enrichment, the Grand Opening Festival embodies a diverse fusion of traditional and contemporary art forms.
As the centre embarks on this new chapter, its mission remains steadfast: to provide access to inspiring arts experiences, nurture creativity, and foster a sense of community. The Grand Opening Festival invites everyone to partake in Geelong’s vibrant cultural tapestry and ensure the enduring benefits of artistic expression resonate throughout the community for years to come.
For more information and to explore the Grand Opening Festival’s offerings, head here.
