Creativity unleashed

RICH WITH HISTORY AND FULL OF SURPRISES, THIS STATE-OF-THE-ART, NEXT GENERATION CREATIVE FACILITY IS CERTAIN TO ATTRACT AND DELIGHT VISITORS FROM NEAR AND FAR

THEY say all the world’s a stage, with the release of the Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop Street design, it is clear the heart of Geelong’s cultural precinct is set to transform Australia’s first UNESCO City of Design into an international must-visit destination.

Dedicated to delivering on a bold future for a clever and creative Geelong, the design brings together elements drawn from the history of Geelong, the traditions of circus and theatre, and the strong and continuing First Nations culture and connection to Country.

The exterior facade, inspired by the history of performance tents, circus and the tradition of stage curtains, will have revellers immersed on arrival.

Geelong’s historic reputation of being “the wool centre of the world” is also highlighted through the Lascelles woolstore inspired exterior walls.

“We wanted the internal design to be flexible in encouraging creative expression from all cultural groups in Geelong, and far beyond.

“Its interplay of texture and colour impart a curious and dynamic atmosphere, inspiring people to express their individuality in connection to the rest of society,” says Ian McDougall, ARM Founding Director

Coming together as co-designers, ARM Architects and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Corporation have woven stories of land, water and sky, and colours of Moonah forests, local ochres, jarosites from Bells Beach and greenstone found at Dog Rocks in Batesford throughout the campus. Kait James, Tarryn Love, Gerad Black and Mick Ryan have been engaged to provide artistic concepts for the building.

Geelong Arts Centre’s CEO and Creative Director, Joel McGuinness, says “consultation with First Nations community has been an integral and humbling experience.

“I am incredibly grateful for the consultation with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners alongside the wider First Peoples community here in

Geelong to welcome country into the very fabric of the arts centre,”

McGuiness says.

Entertainment-seekers will be met with a multi-format 500-seat theatre expanding to 800 in ‘live gig’ mode, a 250-seat contemporary venue featuring a giant door connecting the space to Little Malop Street Plaza, dynamic and colourful foyer and bar facilities feature alongside a range of versatile event spaces, including alfresco dining on Little Malop Street.

The innovative design incorporates universal design principles focusing on inclusive amenities and accessibility.

The design strives to delight with hidden surprises, including a lively and interactive light portal connecting the Little Malop Street and Ryrie Street buildings.

“This design delivers on our bold vision, it embraces the cultural precinct, it challenges the idea of a black box theatre that turns their back on the world,” McGuiness says.

“Using the principles of universal design, this outcome is welcoming, inclusive, inspires joy, facilitates creativity and encourages people to be part of our creative community.”

The design embraces ‘flare meets function’, with the design team working alongside expert consultants to ensure exceptional technical capabilities that push the boundaries of what theatre spaces need both now and into the future.

Providing the full entertainment experience, from pre- and post-event drinks to delicious dining options, a variety of performances and multi-arts experiences to suit the youngest viewer to the most seasoned of thespians, there’s no doubt that Geelong Arts Centre will be the jewel of Geelong’s cultural district upon completion by the end of 2023.

THIS DESIGN EMBRACES ‘FLARE MEETS FUNCTION’ AND PUSHES THE BOUNDARIES OF WHAT THEATRE SPACES NEED BOTH NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE