Creative Engine recipients annnounced

THE latest recipients of Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine program have been revealed.

Totalling up to $16,000 in financial grants and $30,000 of value-in-kind studio access at the centre’s Ryrie Street building and Merge co-working space, the Creative Engine grants directly benefit individuals and organisations who are looking to develop new and exciting work, push the boundaries, and advance their contemporary arts practice.

The eight selected projects across three streams announced last week span multiple artistic disciplines, including traditional and experimental theatre, music, dance and comedy.

All meet the program’s three selection criteria of connection, innovation and thoughtfulness. They are:

• Ignition recipients – Pride and Prejudice by Bloomshed and Parasail by Kath Dolheguy
• Jump Start recipients – NOW: A Life Story by Fiona Luca and Cabaret of Calm by Helen Duncan
• Place to Make recipients – Song Birds by Gorgi Coghlan and Anna-Lee Robertson, Comedy Victoria by Luke Morris, The Things We Hold Dear by Catherine Holder (Next Tuesday Theatre) and Foreigner by Amelia Vu.

Now in their fifth year, the grants have been specifically crafted to provide direct support to local G21 artists and other artists connected to community as they cultivate new and distinctive projects.

“It is a privilege to witness the depth of talent and vulnerability seeded throughout the dynamic catalogue of applications,” Geelong Arts Centre senior producer of creative industries and programming Nicole La Bianca said.

“The submissions showcased the region’s remarkable local talent and emerging projects, indicating a promising future for Geelong’s creative communities.”

Geelong Arts Centre head of programming Penny McCabe said the centre was thrilled to champion the spirit of innovation and artistic exploration.

“These grants not only provide essential financial support but also invaluable studio access, fostering a nurturing environment for artists to push boundaries and realise their visions.

“As we enter our fifth year of Creative Engine grants, we remain committed to uplifting the diverse voices of our community, ensuring that Geelong continues to thrive as a hub of creativity and cultural expression.”

This year, Creative Engine will continue to offer regular grant rounds to invest in emerging projects, with other initiatives for artists to be announced in coming months.

For updates on the development of all works supported by Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine, head to geelongartscentre.org.au/creative-engine/projects-supported-creative-engine