Enriching the cultural scene

GEELONG has an incredible diversity of creative talent, which I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand at last Thursday’s GRID Series release party.

The event showcased four truly talented local musicians – Madeliene Cope, Emilia Fol, Tonite and Farah – and how they have honed their craft throughout the GRID Series.

The GRID (Grass Roots Indie Development) Series connects emerging artists with industry professionals to nurture the next generation of musical talent.

It was a pleasure to watch these young artists perform and see how they had developed as musicians throughout the mentorship program.

Their performances demonstrated the sheer breadth and depth of creativity we have across Greater Geelong.

As a Council, we want to enrich our region’s flourishing cultural scene by providing opportunities for our emerging artists and creatives.

Which is why I’m thrilled we are now calling for expressions of interest for our exciting new arts festival – ROAM.

This new immersive multi-arts event is anticipated to draw 15,000 visitors to Geelong’s cultural precinct for an evening of colour, light and music on Saturday, October 11.

The festival is set to take place every two years and will involve central Geelong’s major arts players including Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong Gallery, Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, Platform Arts and Back to Back Theatre.

ROAM will build on the successes of past events like Geelong After Dark and White Night while offering a fresh concept focused on story-driven interactive arts.

We are looking for local and regional performers, artists and arts organisations to submit expressions of interest for the showcase and I cannot wait to see the final program in all its glory.

Elsewhere in Geelong, creativity is being celebrated at the National Wool Museum in this year’s We the Maker’s Sustainable Fashion Prize.

The prize builds upon our city’s legacy in the production of wool and textiles, while celebrating innovation in sustainability and design.

This year’s prize has received 150 submissions from 13 countries, with10 submissions from Geelong, demonstrating the global recognition of this fantastic competition.

Twenty entries will be selected to go on display in the National Wool Museum’s exhibition, running from June 13 to November 30.

The winning garment will be acquired for the museum’s permanent collection.

Another of one our outstanding cultural institutions, Geelong Gallery, also has reason to celebrate following the appointment of its new CEO, Humphrey Clegg.

As Council’s Arts & Culture, Hospitality & Live Entertainment portfolio chair, I am pleased to welcome Humphrey to Geelong and look forward to seeing him lead the gallery in its next exciting chapter.

Humphrey brings an incredible wealth of experience in the visual arts sector, joining us from the Art Gallery of Ballarat where he served as Assistant Director.

With this new appointment, a proposed expansion of Geelong Gallery on the horizon and a range of exciting arts and cultural events coming up – our city’s clever and creative people have plenty to look forward to.

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