Geelong Youth Symphony Orchestra among arts grant recipients to be congratulated

The City of Greater Geelong’s 2023-2023 Arts Projects Grant recipients, sharing in nearly $203,000, have been congratulated and provided further support during a celebration at the region’s civic precinct, Wurriki Nyal.

A total of 22 music, performance, visual arts, film and writing projects received grants of up to $10,000 each for the round, representing the diversity of artists and the artistic life of Greater Geelong

20 grant recipients from 12 different projects attended the event, including representatives of the Geelong Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYO). The GYO will utilise its $10,000 in funding to expand with a new and unique orchestral program of excellence for young people across Geelong and The Bellarine

Other attendees included representatives from Geelong Gallery which is using its $10,000 grant to present an exhibition of Back to Back Theatre’s participatory exhibition ‘Portrait’ from Friday 18th March. ‘Portrait’ collaborated with female-identifying students from Nelson Park School and Barwon Valley School and challenges existing photographic representations of disability, age, gender, and sexuality.

Planning for all funded projects is well underway, with delivery throughout 2023.

Councillor Jim Mason, Deputy Chair of the Creative Communities and Culture portfolio presented to the group and spoke about how positive outcomes from arts grants benefit not only the creative community, but residents and visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Councillor Mason added “Council is proud to play a significant role in the development of creative works and projects in the community.

“It was a pleasure to present to and meet with so many professional and passionate local creatives, who were eager to share how they can make their funding work as hard as possible.

“I thank these groups for their contributions to make our region more artistically vibrant and inclusive.”

The City’s Arts and Culture team offered advice on how to ensure the success of each project, with grant recipients introduced to the team member who would be providing each project with support.

Blink Dance Theatre creative directors Elise Wilkinson and Jess Lesosky delivered insights as previous 2021-2022 grant recipients on how the funding contributed to the development of their work, Small Wonders.

Mayor Trent Sullivan, Chair of the Creative Communities and Culture Portfolio enthused “Council is excited to aid arts projects that support the region’s Clever and Creative, economic and accessibility aims.

“We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate these 22 upcoming arts projects and help groups receive information about their grants, networking opportunities and tips for project success.

“We have a wealth of creativity and knowledge in our region, so I can’t wait to see how the final projects take shape!”