Helping kids blossom
ACROSS a decade at the helm of GPAC, Jill Smith witnessed the transformative impact the creative industries had on young lives.
Setting up creative programs to transform shy kids into leaders are among her proudest achievements.
“These programs were built with community need and what they wanted for their kids,” she said of the programs, particularly those for Indigenous youth.
“The arts are fundamental to our lives. I’ve seen young kids experience the arts and have their lives transformed.
“Creative brains approach challenges in a much, much different way.
“I have a fundamental belief that creative cities are successful cities.”
For significant service to performing arts and cultural development, Ms Smith is honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia. She said the honour was important beALISTAIR cause it recognised the arts and culture sector and the contribution of a female.
Ms Smith became general manager of GPAC, now the Geelong Arts Centre, in 2008 and guided it towards a major redevelopment completed in recent years.
“The investment … has been one of the most significant investments in cultural infrastructure in the country,” she said.
Ms Smith’s other key achievements at GPAC included securing the 2015 performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet by London’s Globe Theatre; and constructing a unique performance program.
“Geelong was the only city in the country that had the Globe Theatre (perform on its world tour),” she said.
Ms Smith was also recognised for contributions to the Geelong Authority and other tourism and arts organisations.