Geelong’s
historic Customs House will be reborn as a creative hub for the city’s thriving
artistic community following a $150,000 Victorian Government grant.
The
City of Greater Geelong received the funding to refurbish the Victorian
Heritage-listed building’s interior in support of a two-year pilot of the
creative hub.
The
project aims to reimagine 453m2 of space over two of the building’s three
storeys to include artist studios, an accessible and design-focused exhibition
space, an artisan retail display and counter, and meeting rooms with digital
capabilities.
The
Victorian Government grant will fund new carpet and furniture, an accessible
toilet and a new kitchenette in support of this vision.
The
project builds on the success of the City of Greater Geelong’s trial of Customs
House as a design and creative hub during Geelong Design Week in October 2023.
Geelong
Customs House was built in 1856 to serve the needs of the colonial
administration during the peak of the gold rushes.
But
the sandstone building, well known among local historians for its beautiful and
well-preserved interiors, has been underutilised in recent years.
Member
for Geelong Christine Couzens visited Customs House alongside Greater Geelong
Mayor Trent Sullivan and Geelong-based artist Cecilia Cabalquinto on Friday to
announce the grant.
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
This
upgrade to one of Geelong’s beautiful historic buildings will enable it to be
used to its full potential. Customs
House can now be a thriving creative and artistic space for Geelong’s many
talented artists.
Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan
The Design and Creative Hub will give Customs House a new lease
on life while addressing shortages in affordable spaces for creatives to work
and exhibit. This
hub will play an important role in encouraging creative expression, and is
reflective of our clever and creative city and our UNESCO City of Design
designation. We
thank the Victorian Government for its support in repurposing Geelong Customs
House for our vibrant arts community.
Cecilia Cabalquinto
As
a local artist, this fantastic opportunity opens up spaces for all forms of
creativity and the chance to showcase what our city has to offer. Geelong
is teeming with brilliant artists and creatives from all walks of life, all
ready to bring new life to such a historical venue.