The countdown has begun to the re-opening of Geelong Arts Centre as works near completion on the $140 million Little Malop Street redevelopment and the first events announced.
The opening festivities will kick off with two Grand Opening Showcase events featuring headliner Jessica Mauboy, and a comedy triple-header featuring Dilruk Jayasinha, Lizzy Hoo and Dave Thornton, on Saturday 19 August.
Four weeks of free and ticketed events will follow, including performances from the likes of Missy Higgins, tours of the new facilities, a community open day, comedy acts and much more.
The festival will be the community’s first taste of the Centre’s brand-new facilities, including stunning new theatres and flexible performance spaces, new dining and hospitality options and an atrium plaza. Vastly improved accessibility will make this a centre for everyone.
The expanded arts centre is set to be the largest in regional Australia, attracting the best artists and shows from across the region and around the world.
The project is creating 600 jobs during construction and showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of the region – from the carpets to the largescale architectural glass on the façade and the First Nations artworks that are set to be an attraction in their own right.
Once the centre opens, the region will be spoilt for choice when it comes to performances and creative activity, with 1,000 events already booked in.
The completion of the $140 million Little Malop Street Redevelopment will mark the most ambitious stage of the Geelong Arts Centre transformation following the $38.5 million Ryrie Street redevelopment, completed in 2019.
Designed by award-winning Victorian architects ARM, the Little Malop Street Redevelopment is being delivered through a partnership between the Geelong Arts Centre, Creative Victoria, Development Victoria and Lendlease.
For more information on the redevelopment and the opening festival program, visit geelongartscentre.org.au