Geelong Arts Centre launches Creative Engine grants

GEELONG Arts Centre has unveiled a series of grants through its Creative Engine program for artists and other creatives across the Geelong region.
The eight individual packages of $16,000 in financial grants and in-kind occupancies inside the Geelong Arts Centre itself are designed for individuals and organisations who demonstrate the desire and ability to drive bold and exciting contemporary arts practice and performance.
There will be two packages in each of the following four categories:

• Ignition – $5,000 each plus occupancy, marketing and professional development support
• Live and Local – $2,000 each plus occupancy, broadcast infrastructure and marketing support
• Jump Start – $1,000 each plus occupancy support, and
• Place to Make – In-kind occupancy support.

Creative Engine, Geelong Arts Centre’s co-working space and arts development program, was launched in October last year with the aim of supporting individuals and artistic collectives and building sustainable arts practices in regional Victoria.
“Local creatives are the heartbeat of our arts centre,” Geelong Arts Centre chief executive officer Joel McGuinness said.
“Our aim for these grants is to assist a diverse range of artists and creatives to build sustainable and thriving practice right here in Victoria.
“We’re looking to the future and for works that demonstrate a connection to the region, are innovative by design and thoughtfully participate in the national arts conversation.”
Grant applications open on Monday, August 17 and close on August 30. Applicants must meet the program’s three selection criteria – connection, innovation and thoughtfulness.
The successful selected projects will be contacted on September 11.
As well in-kind occupancies and grant funding, Creative Engine also provides access to workshops, masterclasses, industry networking and creative bootcamps.
The program has already supported several new works by local producers, including contemporary dance company Blink Dance Theatre, playwright Ross Mueller and theatre makers Essential Theatre.
“We’re incredibly grateful to have this support,” Blink Dance Theatre artistic director Lyndel Quick said.
“In practical terms, it has enabled access to world-class rehearsal and performance spaces and specialist equipment.
“However, the real highlight has been the full commitment of the Geelong Arts Centre team, to work with us as partners, to support and nurture artistic conversations and ideas, and to value the contribution of local artists and how important they are in enriching the creative ecology.”
For more information, head to geelongartscentre.org.au/creative-engine.