The Geelong Arts Centre is a celebration of everything that makes Geelong unique. It breathes life into the city’s artistic spirit, providing a canvas for creativity to flourish and resonate with all who enter its doors.

ARM's design strips away the conventional theatre typology – a black box concealed behind an imposing façade – in favour of openness and transparency. There is a delightful lack of pretension, inviting a fun and engaging experience for all.

In keeping with the precinct’s campus-like layout, the centre presents a collection of captivating destinations, each with a unique design narrative. The destinations link new and existing facilities, forming a dynamic pathway between the entries on Ryrie Street and Little Malop Street.

A concrete drape feature runs across the front of the building, complementing a circus Calliope-shaped entrance referencing historical travelling performance in Victoria. Internally, a series of multi-functional spaces accommodates all sorts of arts, performance and general community uses. A 500-seat theatre expands to 800 in ‘live gig’ mode, a 250-seat hybrid theatre connects to the Little Malop Street Plaza, and spaces including foyers, bars and alfresco dining facilitate diverse community experiences from concerts and exhibitions to festivals and markets.

ARM worked closely with local First Nations artists to weave Indigenous stories through every level of the centre. The four floors trace a Wadawurrung creation narrative – from Earth and Ochre Country at ground level to Night Sky Country above – honouring Djilang's history as a place of performance that long predates the building.