Victoria’s state-of-the-art circus and physical theatre (CaPT) facility in Collingwood is entering a new chapter with the Victorian Government seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a new operator for the site at 50 Perry Street, Collingwood.
Expressions of Interest are now open seeking a new operator that will manage the bespoke training and rehearsal space for artists and organisations, especially those in the circus and physical theatre sector, alongside Circus Oz’s tenancy.
The Victorian Government-owned facility was built in collaboration with Circus Oz and has been home to the company since 2014. From January 2025, Circus Oz will commence a new lease that will see the company occupy a smaller footprint on the site with the remainder to be managed by the new operator.
The new 50 Perry Street operator will be responsible for ensuring that the widest possible cross-section of Victoria’s circus and physical theatre sector can access the premises for training and rehearsals at affordable rates, as well as the wider arts and local community.
The 50 Perry Street, Collingwood, Expression of Interest (EOI) process is now open via the Victorian Government’s tenders website. EOI’s close on Thursday 24 October.
The EOI seeks an operator with the demonstrated experience and capability to manage the facility, providing equitable access on behalf of the CaPT sector.
The successful operator will also be required to build a successful and enduring business model, manage the risks associated with this unique site including the safety requirements for users, support the participation and practice of First Peoples creative workers and organisations, and find ways to reach out beyond the site by supporting opportunities that bring broader benefits to the CaPT sector. It is expected that the new operator will commence in early 2025.
To ensure an open and transparent process, a probity advisor has been appointed to oversee the tender, therefore any questions or enquiries must be directed via an applicant registering on the Victorian Government tenders portal at tenders.vic.gov.au.
While the EOI process is underway Circus Oz will continue to hire out spaces on site. For booking enquiries up to December 2024, visit the Circus Oz website.