Live arts returns with The Summer Sessions

Geelong Arts Centre has raised the curtain on their 2021 summer season; The Summer Sessions.

The February events and performances will see the arts centre take an array of performances and creative, educational activities outdoors as live arts makes its long-awaited return.

As announced by the Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson last week, the Victorian Government will assist Geelong Arts Centre in hosting The Summer Sessions outside under a big top in a bid to begin safely welcoming back live arts to regional areas.

With a focus on accessibility and safety, Geelong Arts Centre will host performances and events outside and in the recently redeveloped Ryrie Street building throughout February.

The line up will include acts such as Jude Perl, Meow Meow, The Musical Sprouts, Silvie Paladino, The Syncopators, One Fell Swoop, Dolly Diamond, the photographic exhibition Journey on Wadawurrung Country by Ferne Millen, and a range of creative industries networking events.

The centre is also working closely with the City of Greater Geelong to collaborate on opportunities for The Summer Sessions.

“We are thrilled and excited to showcase the creative talent of some incredible artists and safely celebrate this milestone of returning to live audiences with generous support from the Victorian Government,” Geelong Arts Centre chief executive officer Joel McGuinness said.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens said it was more important than ever to support local artists as they took to the stage in front of live audiences again.

“As an essential thread in Greater Geelong’s arts and culture fabric, we’re proud to support Geelong Arts Centre to celebrate regional arts, showcase homegrown talent and re-connect with audiences.”

The Geelong Arts Centre Summer Season is supported by the centre’s major artistic partner Deakin University.

The centre says it will “scrupulously adhere” to COVIDSafe principles, including the mandatory wearing of face masks, the provision of ample sanitisation stations and design of physically distanced performance spaces for audiences.

To keep up to date with what’s on during The Summer Sessions, head to geelongartscentre.org.au.

The Summer Sessions is also supported by Geelong Arts Centre’s major artistic partner Deakin University.