Geelong Arts Centre will continue its ambitious redevelopment with $6.3 million allocated in the upcoming State Budget (to be handed down on 20 May) to keep the centre’s programming active and support local jobs.
The funds will provide safe, suitable accommodation for Geelong Arts Centre staff and keep the centre open as work continues on the Little Malop Street redevelopment, which is expected to finish up in 2023.
The project is expected to create more than 600 construction jobs – with a focus on local employment.
The Budget will confirm the funding required to get on with this $140 million project set to significantly expand the capacity of the Centre with multiple new performance venues, an upgraded box office and refurbished back-of-house and administration facilities.
Acting Premier James Merlino and Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson made the announcement today (11 May) when visiting the Geelong Arts Centre to announce that Victoria’s multi-billion-dollar creative economy will be reinvigorated thanks to a new Creative State funding package.
Designed to secure jobs and reassert Victoria’s position as the creative state, the $167.3 million package will support the sector as it bounces back after a challenging year – putting creativity at the heart of Victoria’s recovery and supercharging the sector.
As well as cementing our reputation as the nation’s creative capital, this investment is expected to underpin the creation of more than 20,000 new jobs with the commissioning of new works and collaborations across the state.
A new approach to multi-year investment will help Victoria’s creative sector to grow with an extra $23.9 million to support a diverse selection of creative enterprises, venues, and festivals – both big and small. From artist-run spaces to regional theatre companies, this will give Victoria’s creative organisations greater security, allowing them to grow their audiences and create new jobs.
A $79 million creative industries support and recovery package will secure thousands of jobs in the industry, providing a timely boost to the recovery of Victoria’s iconic state-owned cultural institutions like the Geelong Arts Centre and others – giving Victorians and visitors more opportunities to experience world-class events and programs.
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said the Geelong Arts Centre is a local institution that is embedded into the cultural and creative life of our city.
Source: A state government media release