GAD appoints new artistic director

The 2020 edition of Geelong After Dark will be influenced by the creative expertise of Jacob Boehme, the founding director of Australia’s premier First Nations festival – Yirramboi Festival.

Mr Boehme was recently appointed the role of artistic director for next year’s event, which will see the region’s artistic community turn out to Geelong’s city centre in May.

He will bring more than 20 years’ experience working across community, cultural development, youth and intergenerational projects, screen, theatre and festival in what could shake out to be the most intercultural program GAD has seen since its inception.

Cr Jim Mason, chair of the city’s arts, culture and heritage portfolio, congratulated Mr Boehme on his new relationship with GAD.

“Geelong After Dark is a very popular event that always features a wide range of inspiring and thought-provoking art and performance,” Cr Mason said.

“Congratulations to Jacob on securing this role and we look forward to seeing how the event takes shape under his creative leadership in 2020.”

Mr Boehme said he was looking forward to playing part in bringing next year’s theme, Shattering Illusions, to life.

“Geelong After Dark is well established in the cultural life of Geelong.

“Contributing to the Clever Creative Vision and in the context of the City of Greater Geelong being a UNESCO City of Design, I am excited to play an integral role in bringing the community together and assisting all artists as they Shatter Illusions in 2020.”

Geelong After Dark will return on May 1 and feature interactive art, street performances, installations, music, exhibitions and projections which align with the theme Shattering Illusions.