Creative Engine - Artist Opportunities

Grants & Support Initiatives

Application Open | Closing 9:00am Monday 18 August

Here to inspire creativity and support positive risk-taking, Geelong Arts Centre's Creative Engine is proud to announce a new grant round for artists and creatives working in the G21 region.

We're issuing a call-out for six local artists to share in up to $64,000 in cash and in-kind studio access as part of our grant program - as well as support and mentorship from Geelong Arts Centre’s Associate Artists and team.

Offering both cash support and in-kind access to Geelong’s Arts Centre’s world-class studios and co-working space, these grants are targeted towards individuals and organisations who are looking to push the boundaries and advance their contemporary arts practice.

From theatre, scriptwriting to dance, music, digital and community-based practices, artists across all live performance mediums from Geelong or with a connection to the region are encouraged to apply.

CREATIVE ENGINE GRANTS
 

IGNITION 2 x $5,000 grants, plus five days of in-kind studio access for creative development/rehearsal. Support in getting early-stage project ideas off the ground and ready to share with the world.
 

JUMP START 2 x $3,000 grants, plus five days of in-kind studio access for creative development/rehearsal. Offers a testing ground for performance artists to experiment, evolve, and refine their ideas.
 

PLACE TO MAKE 2 x five days of in-kind studio access for creative development/rehearsal plus three months of in-kind desk access in Geelong Arts Centre’s Merge co-working space. For early ideas that need time and space to grow and take shape.

 

An additional $2,000 in access costs is also available for all grants to cover access supports such as Auslan interpretation, note taking and other needs to assist artists with accessibility requirements.

To be successful, applications must demonstrate the ability to meet the program’s three selection criteria: Connection, Innovation & Planning. Applicants must also be available to complete their studio rehearsal time during one of the eligible allotted weeks (see individual grant pages for specific dates).

Details regarding the application process and eligibility requirements can be found below within each grant category. Cross-genre projects are highly encouraged!

We support the diversity of lived experiences in the d/Deaf and Disabled community and encourage multiple-marginalised Disabled people to apply.

An additional $2,000 in access costs is available for all grants. Please email creativeengine@geelongartscentre.org.au to discuss accessibility requirements.

Priority will be given to artists who work in, live in, or can demonstrate a strong connection to Geelong and the G21 community.

We have an express commitment to First Nations artists, PoC artists, and artists from lower income backgrounds.

Applications will be reviewed by a curatorial panel who will take into consideration the calibre of the artists, the quality of the creative idea and the connection to Geelong.

KEY INFORMATION

Applications Open - Monday 21 July 2025
Applications Close - 9:00am, Monday 18 August 2025

Period in which development is to be completed:

Projects awarded a grant in this round must complete their development prior to 28 November 2025.

Creative Engine offers three levels of support to suit your creative needs:

IGNITION

IGNITION

Support in getting early-stage project ideas off the ground and ready to share with the world.

Ignition grants are designed for projects that are in the early stages of creation and need support in transitioning from creative development to preparation for presentation. We are looking for impressive ideas with well thought out project plans.

A successful Ignition offer will include:

Cash contribution: $5,000 (+ up to $2,000 in access costs if required)

Access to rehearsal studio space (5 days)

Access to co-working and meeting spaces

Mentoring opportunities with leading independent practitioners

Opportunity for an informal progress showing, however this is not a requirement

JUMP START

JUMP START

Offers a testing ground for performance artists to experiment, evolve, and refine their ideas.

Do you have a burning idea that you are keen to explore? We’re offering Jump Start cash grants and access to rehearsal space for ideas that need further exploration, and the space and time to do it. These are seed ideas that we are keen to develop.

A successful Jump Start offer will include:

Cash contribution: $3,000 (+ up to $2,000 in access costs if required)

Access to rehearsal studio space (5 days)

Access to co-working and meeting spaces

Opportunity for an informal progress showing, however this is not a requirement