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September 15, 2006
Geelong arts partnership wins prestigious state AbaF award
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A shared vision for community access to the arts in Geelong has led to a 25-year partnership between Alcoa and Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) being awarded one of the State’s highest accolades.
The Australian Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) Awards, which recognise excellence in private sector-arts relationships, were last night presented at the State level, with Alcoa and GPAC taking out the ‘National Australia Bank Partnering Award’ in Victoria.
Through the key programs of the partnership, up to 13,000 school children and up to 19,000 theatre patrons each year are inspired, encouraged and rewarded through hands-on interaction with the arts.
It is these partnership success stories that have contributed to Geelong becoming the cultural heart of regional Victoria, with GPAC now the State’s largest regional provider of the arts.
Alcoa Point Henry Smelter Operations Manager Jenny Purdie said that although Alcoa and GPAC had received the award, the real winner was the Geelong community.
“Alcoa is focused on building relationships that strengthen the communities where we operate,” Dr Purdie said.
“Both Alcoa and GPAC see the arts as an experience that binds and builds the social fabric of our community and therefore should be accessible to all.
“It was this shared vision that brought Alcoa and GPAC together 25 years ago, and which continues to inspire us to provide Geelong people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities with access to the arts.”
The Alcoa-GPAC partnership dates back to the inception of the performing arts centre in 1981 when Alcoa became the naming rights sponsor to the dance studios and courtyard at the venue.
Today the partnership encompasses two key programs in the region, GPAC’s annual Theatre Season providing a diverse range of theatrical experiences and the Education Program, which includes the legendary children’s Poppykettle Festival.
GPAC General Manager Sally Beck said the secret to the success of the partnership was the vision both organisations shared for the local community.
“Alcoa and GPAC share a common value - a strong commitment to the community in which we operate and a passion to advance that community through engagement with the arts.”
“Alcoa’s support has meant we have been able to provide people from a broader range of ages and backgrounds with access to the arts, access which they may not otherwise have had, particularly those from more disadvantaged areas and communities.”
The annual AbaF Awards honour the most innovative and beneficial private sector-arts relationships and the leaders who have created inspirational examples of engagement between the private sector and the arts.
The partnership between Alcoa and GPAC will now enter the national Awards, with winners announced on October 26th.
Further information:
Brendan Foran, Community Relations Officer, Alcoa Point Henry, 0404 800 346
Jon Mamonski, Community Relations and Marketing Manager, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, 03 5225 1214
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