Wednesday 18.07.18

When the new West Gippsland Arts Centre opens, audiences will have the chance to experience performances in new and unusual spaces, thanks to a new Victorian Government backed program.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced a $50,000 grant through Creative Victoria’s Engaging Audiences program for ‘Outside the Walls’, an initiative that will see WGAC host free events across the redeveloped site and offer events in smaller community spaces across the Shire.

Outside the Walls will include events such as ‘Live on the Deck’, a free music program held on the forecourt and ‘Live on the Dock’ which will turn the new backstage loading dock area into a music venue. Both programs will feature local and visiting artists and will be live streamed which will give the artists even greater exposure.

The initiative also includes a ‘Small Halls’ program which will work with local communities to bring performances, workshops and events to community halls in towns throughout the Shire.

While WGAC has been closed for its major redevelopment, the team has been busily delivering programs and performances in alternative venues. These activities have reached new audiences and age groups that previously didn’t visit the arts centre.

Outside the Walls will continue this new and dynamic programming, ensuring that the whole community feels WGAC is a place for all tastes and all ages.

The Engaging Audiences program is part of the Victorian Government’s $20 million regional arts package, a four-year initiative announced in the 2015-16 State Budget.

This latest Engaging Audiences grant for West Gippsland Arts Centre builds on the government’s $4 million contribution to the WGAC redevelopment project and ongoing investment in the gallery of $130,000 a year, which supports its annual operations and programming.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“It’s an exciting time for West Gippsland Arts Centre and we are proud to support this initiative that will showcase the new spaces around the centre while also taking events to venues across region.”

“The Outside the Walls program shows that WGAC is much more than a venue, it’s a community hub that reaches out across the community, ensuring that everyone has access to the best creative experiences.”