Geelong Performing Arts Centre
On the surface, Alcoa and GPAC seem worlds apart. Alcoa is a world leader in the aluminium industry while Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) is Victoria’s largest regional performing arts centre. However, the shared vision is providing Geelong people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities with access to the arts.
Both Alcoa and GPAC see the arts as an experience that binds and builds the social fabric of our community and therefore should be enjoyed and accessible to all.
The Alcoa-GPAC partnership dates back to the inception of the performing arts centre in 1981 when Alcoa became the naming rights to a dance studio and courtyard at the venue. Over the past 25 years, the partnership has deepened into a solid marriage of like minds that encompasses two key programs in the region: The GPAC Alcoa Education Program and the GPAC Alcoa Theatre Season.
The GPAC Alcoa Education Program
The Alcoa Education Program is designed to stimulate, inspire and challenge our young performing artists. GPAC is committed to nurturing our regions’ cultural and creative development through engaging young people in the performing arts.
The program provides annual theatre performances, curriculum support, skills development opportunities and festivals for teachers and over 15,000 students from early childhood education, primary and secondary schools across the Barwon and South West region.
Its success was recognised in 2005 through the State Government’s Arts Leadership Portfolio Awards.
The program includes the two-day Alcoa Poppykettle Festival, the week-long Geelong Schools Music and Movement Festival, the Kudos Encouragement Awards, along with various other activities and events.
The GPAC Alcoa Theatre Program
GPAC aims to provide appealing classic and contemporary options for up to 20,000 theatre goers, combining drama, music, singing, comedy and dance.
In 2006 Alcoa significantly expanded its support to GPAC by becoming naming rights sponsor of the annual Theatre Season. Alcoa’s financial support enables GPAC to attract and market high quality shows, with special pricing for under 27s, under 18s and services such as audio descriptions for the vision impaired, ensuring access to the arts by a broad range of people.
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The 2006 GPAC Alcoa Education Program - helping students engage in the arts.
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