Victorian government commits $250k to turn Geelong into cultural hub

The Victorian government has committed $250,000 to support the creative sector of the Melbourne satellite town of Geelong.

“Geelong has quickly established its reputation as one of our state’s great cultural hubs – and the future couldn’t be brighter,” says minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley.

“The town’s creative industries are quickly gaining momentum, and we’re proud to be supporting these new initiatives to unlock new creative spaces and help local artists shine.”

The funding will support both the Creative Geelong and Renew Geelong programs over the next two years.

Creative Geelong will receive $100,000 to develop and expand the impact of its Makers Hub in Centrepoint Arcade.

The Makers Hub has become a popular collaborative space for Geelong’s creative community – made up of workshops, studios and creative spaces for artists and community groups.

It also creates opportunities for Victorians of all ages to develop their skills and ideas.

Renew Australia will receive $150,000 to deliver the Renew Geelong program, which will work with the community and property owners to turn vacant shops and other properties for use by artists and musicians for their creative projects.

Creative Geelong and Renew Geelong will work in collaboration to deliver economic, social and cultural benefits to the local community.

Both projects are backed with matched funding by the City of Greater Geelong.

Geelong’s design credentials were internationally recognised last year after the city was named a UNESCO City of Design.

Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens, commented, “The Andrews Government is not only backing the big projects like the redevelopment of GPAC, we’re supporting grass-roots projects as well.

“It’s all part of the creative revitalisation of Geelong.”

City of Greater Geelong deputy mayor Peter Murrihy added. “The City of Greater Geelong is very proud to back these independent projects – supporting local creative industries and artists, and bringing more colour and life to our CBD.”