Nine council-owned facilities across the state are getting a creative makeover thanks to the latest round of the Creative Neighbourhood Infrastructure Support Program.
More than $620,000 in funding which will transform existing buildings to make them suitable for creative uses, help attract broader audiences and develop new revenue streams for creatives.
The local government areas of Greater Geelong, Central Goldfields, Glenelg Shire, Hume, South Gippsland and Swan Hill have received support to undertake projects ranging from purchasing equipment to fits outs and refurbishments.
Supported venues include Geelong Customs House which will undergo refurbishments to become a hub for creativity and design, and the historic Maryborough Railway Station which will be transformed to incorporate creative co-working spaces, flexible staging and seating for performance, digital projection facilities and more.
Support for four venues in Glenelg Shire – Portland Arts Centre, Portland Civic Hall, Heywood Community Hall and Casterton Town Hall – will see a range of access improvements and enhancements to allow the venues to support more creative workers to develop, rehearse, work and present performances within the venues.
Dance schools and community groups will be better placed to rehearse and hold performances at Craigieburn Community Centre, with support for new stage curtains, a lighting system, a ballet barre and mirrors.
New furniture and equipment purchases will advance Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery’s new Creative Educational and Workshop Space, and much-loved venue Meeniyan Town Hall in South Gippsland will acquire a new sound system.
The Creative Neighbourhood Infrastructure Support Program is part of the Victorian Government’s $6 million Creative Spaces and Places program, and is supported by the Community Support Fund.
Recipients
City of Greater Geelong, $150,000
To support Geelong Customs House to undergo refurbishments to become a hub for creativity and design.
Central Goldfields Shire Council, $150,000
To support the historic Maryborough Railway Station to create co-working spaces for creatives, flexible staging and seating for performance, digital projection facilities and more.
Glenelg Shire Council, $150,000
To support four venues in Glenelg Shire – Portland Arts Centre, Portland Civic Hall, Heywood Community Hall and Casterton Town Hall – to undergo a range of access improvements and venue enhancements to increase creative activities and venue bookings.
South Gippsland Shire Council, $30,000
To support Meeniyan Town Hall Committee of Management to purchase a new sound system and associated equipment.
Swan Hill Rural City Council, $38,317
To support Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery’s new Creative Educational and Workshop Space to purchase new furniture and equipment.
Hume City Council, $105, 502
To support dance schools and community groups using Craigieburn Community Centre for rehearsals and performances with funding for new stage curtains, a lighting system, a ballet barre and mirrors.