Regional Arts Victoria is proud to continue creating opportunities for creative experiences in small towns across Victoria through our new Connecting Places: Opportunities for Small Halls program.
Building on the success of our Small Hall Mentoring initiatives, this program expands opportunities for regional community venues through mentorship, support and funding to help commission and develop new creative work.
We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2026–27 Connecting Places: Opportunities for Small Halls program!
Small Halls Commission
Congratulations to Fish Creek Memorial Hall and (it’s no) drama for their new work Soundwaves — a collaboration between presenter, artists and creative organisation that will bring new creative experiences to community audiences.
Through this Commission, Soundwaves aims to bring people together through shared storytelling and music, celebrating the voices and lived experiences of regional communities. It seeks to transform personal stories into a dynamic, multi-layered performance, building creative confidence, connection and a sense of collective identity while showcasing the richness of life in regional Australia.
Small Halls Mentorships
We are also excited to welcome four Community Presenters into the 2026–27 mentorship program:
- Newham Mechanics Institute – based in Macedon Ranges Shire
The committee at the Newham Mechanics Institute have a gorgeous 90-seat hall where they have presented a mix of local performances from a live music celebrating female songwriters to comedy nights with Kirsty Webeck. They want to develop their skills in strategic programming to ensure they’re ready to present more great entertainment for their community. - Bethanga Soldiers Memorial Hall – based in Towong Shire
A local hall with a strong history, the committee in Bethanga are brimming with ideas and plans for their hall. With a strong understanding of the roles played by other organisations in their region, they will be working to collaborate with their community as they carve out a proactive identity for their hall as a creative hub and a social entertainment venue. - Warrnambool Neighbourhood and Community Centre (WNCC) – based in City of Warrnambool
WNCC plays an important role in the community supporting their locals with social programs to support food relief, wellbeing, education and inclusion. This mentorship will enable WNCC to develop their presenting skills to include a performing arts program which celebrates the stories of their many migrant cultures, reducing loneliness and creating greater connection. - Power House Arts Studio – based in Yaramibiack Shire
Power House Arts Studio are a volunteer run committee, who have been offering a variety of visual arts programs and classes. With this mentorship they are stretching their wings to develop more opportunities in their town for live performance events and more opportunities for their town to come together for some great local entertainment, with a side order of social connection.
Each recipient will receive funding and dedicated mentor support from June 2026 to June 2027, with the mentorship culminating in a live performance for their community.
RAV is currently working to match each recipient with the right mentor to support their goals and creative ambitions — stay tuned for that announcement soon.
The Connecting Places Opportunities for Small Halls program is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
