For the past few decades, Geelong Arts Centre (previously known as Geelong Performing Arts Centre, or GPAC) has offered a unique mix of theatre shows and events that educate, enlighten and bring together like-minded people.
Thanks to the Victorian Government, with some philanthropic support, the last two years have seen the arts hub undergone a $38.5 million redevelopment to help reinvigorate the centre and keep it as a primary location for both international and local performances.
With art and community, growth in activity, innovation, outstanding spaces and people at its heart, the new and improved Geelong Arts Centre is finally completed, injecting a renewed sense of artistic energy and excitement into the region.
The redevelopments now see a brand new foyer and bar spaces, ‘Creative Engine’ – a creative industries co-working floor – and four purpose-built rehearsal and performance studios, designed to keep Geelong’s city centre as a cultural hub for arts and performance
Seamlessly blending the old and the new, a highlight is the striking translucent façade comprising of over 2,400 square metres of U-Channel glass, revealing a delicately restored heritage church – once hidden from public view behind the former Band of Hope building.
Trusted in the hands of the international design practise HASSELL and one of Australia’s largest private construction groups, Kane Constructions, these redevelopments responds to the changing needs of Geelong as a growing city region and Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design, echoing the Clever and Creative strategic direction of the City of Greater Geelong and driving the growth of the region’s creative capability.
“Our creative community is the heartbeat of our arts centre and we’re delighted to welcome Geelong and the region to the incredible new spaces,” says Geelong Arts Centre CEO Joel McGuinness. “We hope our Ryrie Street building will empower the community to be bold and develop works that drive the national and international arts conversation.”
Art lovers in regional Victoria now have a million more reasons to celebrate. Geelong Arts Centre is located at 50 Little Malop Street, Geelong. Visit geelongartscentre.org.au/
