Bright new era beckons for theatre company

YOUTH performing arts company Arena Theatre is preparing to enter an ambitious new chapter after securing Plus1 funding from Creative Australia.

The scheme is a national matching initiative that will double every dollar donated to the organisation and positions it among a select group of arts organisations chosen for their community impact and strategic growth potential.

CEO Debra Allanson said it’s a “huge vote of confidence” in the Bendigo company’s direction.

“It means every contribution from our community goes twice as far in helping us build programs that empower the next generation of thinkers, makers and dreamers,” she said.

The Plus1 funding will support Arena’s goal to establish children’s festival The Creativerse, which recently drew more than 1200 youngsters, families and educators to Ulumbarra Theatre for a day of creativity and performance, as an annual event.

It will also assist in building research partnerships measuring creativity’s impact on mental health, resilience and critical thinking, delivering inclusive programs celebrating First Nations culture, and creating a dedicated creative hub in Bendigo.

“We’re at a pivotal moment,” Ms Allanson continued.

“At the very time when creativity and critical thinking are essential for future success, children face unprecedented barriers – digital overload, mounting anxieties, and limited access to meaningful creative experiences, particularly in regional areas.

“We’re inviting the community to join us in building something truly special.

“Together, we can grow confident, creative young citizens equipped to build a better world.”

To donate, visit the Arena Theatre Company website.