Creative Industries & the Cultural Economy

The creative industries are flourishing in the G21 region which is home to an increasing number of artists, performers, designers, musicians and content creators.

Development of first-class infrastructure and resources will enable the creative economy to thrive and support Geelong’s status as a UNESCO City of Design.

As a significant site for gathering, belonging and storytelling for the Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar people, it is important that First Nation culture is embedded through all cultural precincts.

Geelong Gallery upgrade

Geelong Gallery is respected as one of Australia’s leading – and oldest – regional galleries. Prior to COVID, it enjoyed strong growth, with visitor numbers tripling over the previous five years.

As host of the 2017 and 2018 Archibald Prize, the Gallery attracted nearly 280,000 visitors. The economic benefit to the city over the two years was $14 million.

Constrained by a small exhibition space, expansion of the Gallery into the Geelong Town Hall would enable it to host up to 200,000 visitors a year.

Surf Coast Cultural Centre

The Surf Coast Cultural Centre will incorporate new and expanded homes for Torquay Library, the Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay Visitor Information Centre and Surfing Victoria while integrating with an upgraded Multi Arts Facility.

The centre will provide a new and invigorating hub for one of Australia’s most creative regional communities and a place for lifelong learning and social connections, while celebrating the region’s First Nations cultural history and surfing heritage.

National Wool Museum – 30 year vision

The National Wool Museum is being transformed into a ‘museum of the future’ which will honour the extraordinary story of the region’s manufacturing and industrial impact on global markets, and offer a vibrant centre to showcase the region’s rich and growing creative industries.

Bellarine Potato Shed expansion

Since 2001, the Potato Shed has been a highly utilised and well-loved arts and cultural centre servicing the fast-growing community of the Bellarine and visitors to the region. With rapid population growth, the venue is in high demand and overdue for expansion and redevelopment.

What G21 wants

• $114 million for Geelong Gallery expansion into Geelong City Hall.
• $32 million for the Surf Coast Cultural Centre (Stage 1).
• $30 million to deliver the Potato Shed redevelopment.
• $100,000 towards the National Wool Museum business case.

A commitment to embed GROW training, employment and procurement principles in all government projects within the region.