Geelong Arts Centre crowned Performing Arts Centre of the Year
The Australian Performing Arts Exchange (APAX) has announced Geelong Arts Centre as the Performing Arts Centre of the Year at the 2024 IMPACT Awards, held at Geelong Arts Centre on Wednesday, 21 August. The accolade comes as the arts centre celebrates the first anniversary of its transformative $180 million redevelopment.
In a ceremony that handed out a total of nine awards, Geelong Arts Centre was recognised for its recent Stage 3 Redevelopment, designed by ARM Architecture in collaboration with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and the wider First Nations community. The arts centre’s groundbreaking program fostering pathways for local artists, Creative Engine, was also highlighted as a key factor in its success.
The past twelve months at the newly redeveloped Geelong Arts Centre have been a vibrant and transformative period, marked by a diverse range of performances and events that have enriched the local community.
Welcoming over 256,000 visitors in its first year, the state-of-the-art facilities have attracted both national and international talent, bringing world-class performances to Geelong’s doorstep.
Geelong Arts Centre is the first venue to receive this prestigious award twice, having previously won in 2011.
This occasion marks the first time the APAX award ceremony has been held at the winning venue, adding to the arts centre’s celebration of its one-year anniversary since the redevelopment.
This award is not just a testament to the arts centre’s architectural and programmatic achievements but also a celebration of the community’s active participation and enthusiasm for the arts. As Geelong Arts Centre continues to open its doors to world-class talent, the community is invited to embrace the diverse cultural experiences on offer.