Art that inspires

THERE’S a real buzz around Geelong with so many exciting creative and cultural initiatives on the horizon.

While we’re not quite celebrating Christmas in July, plans are well underway for our festive celebrations in December, and I can’t wait to unveil what we have in store very soon!

In the meantime, there are plenty of cultural events to keep you busy over the coming months.

Next month, the acclaimed Archibald Prize tours to Geelong Gallery, showcasing some of our country’s best portraiture.

It’s fantastic to have this renowned exhibition back in the hometown of its founder, J.F. Archibald.

This prestigious exhibition with over a century of heritage is a major highlight of our cultural calendar.

The Prize last came to Geelong in 2018 and attracted 75,000 visitors to the Gallery over 58 days.

We anticipate this year’s exhibition, running from 30 August to 9 November 2025, will draw an even greater audience of art lovers to the region.

The exhibition will be complemented by the Who’s Who Portrait Exhibition, a showcase of local students’ work that will be on display across several locations in Geelong during the Archibald Prize run.

The project aims to encourage and inspire young artists to celebrate local or regional identities, their personal histories and achievements through portraiture.

I can’t wait to see our local budding artists’ work on display for the public to enjoy.

For those interested in sustainable fashion and design, I urge you to pay a visit to the National Wool Museum to view the current exhibit, the We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize.

The competition champions the work of emerging designers whose garments embody creativity, innovation and a commitment to sustainability.

There are 20 garments currently on display, shortlisted from over 150 entries spanning 13 countries. Only in its third year, it’s clear We the Makers is going from strength to strength with its global recognition.

As Council’s Chair of Arts & Culture, Hospitality & Live Entertainment, I am particularly excited for some exciting new projects we have coming up later this year.

I’ve marked my calendar for Saturday 11 October, and eagerly anticipate our inaugural ROAM Geelong festival, when our arts precinct will be transformed into an immersive, multidisciplinary arts night festival.

Everything from visual arts, immersive displays, puppetry, and physical arts are on the cards for the nighttime festivities!

In addition to these highly anticipated events, we are actively seeking feedback from creative practitioners on how we as a Council can best support our creative industry.

The Greater Geelong Creative & Cultural Sector 2025 Survey is currently open for public engagement until 3 August, and we are urging everyone from individual artists, designers, creatives and educators to share your insights.

Whether you’re a freelancer or part of a creative business, working in heritage, community arts or cultural development, we are eager to hear your thoughts.

This survey is designed to help us better understand the opportunities, challenges, and support needs in the Greater Geelong arts, creative and cultural sector. To have your say, head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/GGCCS2025Survey

As always, I’m happy to speak to anyone on Council-related matters. Please see my contact details – phone 0455 532 006 or email [email protected]

Cr Eddy Kontelj

Hamlyn Heights Ward,

City of Greater Geelong