A month-long creative development initiative designed to give regional artists room to experiment has delivered results well beyond expectations, according to figures released by East Gippsland Shire Council.
The program, dubbed IMMERSIVE, transformed Bairnsdale’s Forge Theatre into a hive of artistic activity, offering local creatives access to professional facilities to test new concepts, build technical skills and engage directly with regional audiences.
Selection began via an open Expression of Interest late last year, culminating in a diverse month of artist residencies, open studios, interactive workshops, live music showcases, and visual art exhibitions.
Across the month, IMMERSIVE achieved:
– 68 local creatives directly involved in developing and delivering content
– 22 paid opportunities generated for regional artists
– More than 450 total attendances across performances, workshops and gallery displays
– Several Forge Theatre firsts, including locally composed music showcases, live poetry readings and an interactive Dungeons & Dragons stage production Significantly, evaluation data shows more than 80 per cent of the creative projects birthed during the residency are continuing, with participants rebooking theatre space and planning events across the wider shire.
East Gippsland Shire mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said the outcome highlights the value of removing entry barriers for regional arts practitioners.
“East Gippsland is home to an incredibly talented creative community, and IMMERSIVE showed what can happen when people are given the opportunity and confidence to bring their ideas to life,” Cr Ashworth said.
“The fact that more than 80 per cent of projects are continuing beyond the program demonstrates the lasting impact of investing in our local creatives and strengthening our region’s cultural offering.”
Local visual artist Caroline Packer, who hosted workshops and exhibited work during the program, said the experience provided a major springboard for her practice.
“It had a great atmosphere, with the band, the bar, and the outdoor area all adding to the vibe of the opening,” Ms Packer said.
“I was happy with the turnout, and with the encouragement and praise I received. The numbers attending the workshops were fantastic, and I was thrilled that someone from Melbourne bought one of my feature paintings.
“I’m now confident to run more workshops in Bairnsdale, and I’m already organising my next exhibition at the Orbost Arts Centre in January 2027.”
Council officers noted the trial forms part of a broader strategy to make the Forge Theatre more accessible, recognising that the primary obstacle for emerging artists is often not financial cost, but creative confidence and navigating venue access.
