Centre's Creative Engine revs again

GEELONG Arts Centre’s artistic development program has announced its inaugural Associate Artists and the latest recipients of the Creative Engine Grants and Launchpad initiative.

These initiatives reflect the centre’s commitment to supporting and celebrating artistic talent from emerging to professional, and to nurturing the creative landscape of Geelong and Victoria by providing artists with the tools they need to bring their visions to life.

Joel Bray and Dan Giovannoni have been announced as the first Associate Artists of Creative Engine.

Supported by The Ian Potter Foundation and Creative Victoria, this new program is a significant step in the centre’s mission to cultivate and support artistic development within the region through innovative artistic residencies.

As established artists, Bray and Giovannoni will dedicate time and resources to the development of new work, engaging in an intensive period of research and creative exploration.

Their role will extend beyond their personal projects, as they contribute to the Creative Engine program by working closely with local artists, Creative Engine grant recipients and Launchpad participants.

Launchpad provides artists with the invaluable opportunity to rehearse, test and present new work to audiences in a professional theatre setting. Photo: SKYE SOBEJKO

Bray is known for his ability to transform everyday spaces into immersive performances, weaving his Wiradjuri heritage into bold, dance-theatre experiences, while Dan Giovannoni is recognised for his talent in crafting stories that move effortlessly between the magical and the real, captivating audiences from circus tents to theatres worldwide.

Bringing these artists into the arts centre aims to challenge and push the boundaries of artistic practice within Geelong.

Geelong Arts Centre has revealed the two new local creative projects recently developed and presented as part of the Launchpad initiative.

Benefiting from access to mentorship, state-of-the-art facilities, technical support, marketing and content creation, Launchpad provides artists with the invaluable opportunity to rehearse, test and present new work to audiences in a professional theatre setting.

The Launchpad Initiative recently helped with the creative developments of Parasail by Kath Dolheguy and Good Man by Connor Morel.

A new round of Creative Engine Grants has been awarded to nine exceptional projects, each bringing fresh perspectives and creativity to their fields.

Offering $71,000 of cash and in-kind studio space, these grants assist individuals and groups who are looking to create, workshop and develop new and exciting work.

Good Man by Connor Morel was one of two projects supported by Launchpad. Photo: LUCINDA GOODWIN

Ignition recipients:

Permission Granted by Jessica Lesosky
Lights, Camera, Séance by Libby Brockman

Jump Start recipients:

Playground by Zoee Marsh

Place to Make recipients:

Milk by Samantha Lester
SWARM by Melinda Chapman
Swing Lake by Xavier McGettigan
Fosterville by Josh Mitchell

Additional grants:

Shiprite by Creative Occupation Collective
Cultura Youth Working Group by Cultura.

“At its heart, Creative Engine offers professional artists opportunities to explore, create and innovate,” Geelong Arts Centre creative director and chief executive officer Rhys Holden said.

“By nurturing artists throughout their creative journey, we want Geelong Arts Centre to play a role in securing the future of Australia’s vibrant and diverse cultural community.

“We’re so excited to have these diverse artists bring their bold, inspired and engaging works to life, right here in Geelong.”

Creative Engine is supported by the Victorian government through Creative Victoria, Deakin University, and Costa Asset Management.

For more information, head to geelongartscentre.org.au/creative-engine