Indigenous art to feature in Geelong Arts Centre redevelopment

THE work of First Nations artists will now be an important part of the $140 million Little Malop Street redevelopment of the Geelong Arts Centre.

Last week, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Acting Minister for Creative Industries Gabrielle Williams launched an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process to select up to four First Nations artists to create work that reflects the significant Indigenous connection to Country, history and culture of the region.

EOIs are open to experienced First Nations sound and visual artists, and submissions must be considerate and respectful of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners’ cultural rights and responsibilities.

The selected artists will work with managing contractor Lendlease, project architects ARM and project partners Geelong Arts Centre, Creative Victoria and Development Victoria to turn their creative concepts into artwork and soundscapes that will be integrated into the design of the redeveloped centre, which is expected to open in 2023.

“The vision for the completed Little Malop Street Redevelopment is bold and places artists, community and creatives within the creative heart of Geelong,” Geelong Arts Centre chief executive officer Joel McGuinness said.

“These commissions are part of that vision – it’s an invitation for practicing First Peoples visual and sound artists to produce works that may inspire, affirm, provoke, embrace and embolden culture for our region.”

Ms Williams said the redevelopment was a transformative project for the local creative community and for the region.

“It’s a project with creative people at its heart, and these art commissions will be an incredible opportunity to showcase the talents of our First Nations artists to audiences visiting the new centre, which is expected to grow to more than 400,000 each year,” she said.

Expressions of Interest for the First Nations design opportunities are now open via the Buying for Victoria and Geelong Arts Centre websites.

Submissions close on July 29.