With support from Creative Victoria in 2026-27, RAV has new opportunities for small halls and regionally based creatives to deliver meaningful arts experiences in small towns.
Building on our successful small hall mentoring initiatives, these new opportunities offer an expanded network of mentorship, support and funding to help community venues commission and develop new creative work.
Two distinct opportunities are available:
- Small Halls Mentorships: Four mentorships are available, providing Community Presenters with funding and support to program a show for their community while working with a dedicated mentor. RAV will match successful applicants with mentors whose experience can support areas such as marketing, governance, programming, planning and more. The mentorship will result in a live performance presentation.
- Small Halls Commission: One opportunity for an experienced Community Presenter to partner with a locally based artist or creative company in their region to apply for a funded opportunity to support a flexible, residency style development. The Commission is about collaboration, building relationships between venues and artists, and supporting regionally based artists to develop new work in their local small halls.
Recipients
2026-27 Commission
Partnership between Fish Creek Memorial Hall and (it’s no) drama
Work: Soundwaves
Soundwaves is 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.
2026-27 Mentorships
Mentee: Newham Mechanics Institute
Mentor: Malcolm Sanders
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. Newham Mechanics Institute Vice President, Mike Heine said,
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our hall and our community. As a small community owned country hall we have the facilities to present artists to the local community. However, we do not necessarily have the knowledge base to ensure best practice governance, programming, marketing and management of performing arts events. We look forward to working with RAV and Malcolm to enhance our knowledge base; to maximise the success of arts events at the hall; to provide the best possible opportunity for the local community to engage with the arts; and to provide artists an opportunity to work in regional Victoria in our unique and historic hall.”
Mentee: Bethanga Soldiers Memorial Hall
Mentor: TBC
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.
Mentee: Warrnambool Neighbourhood and Community Centre (WNCC)
Mentor: TBC
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.
Mentee: Power House Arts Studio
Mentor: TBC
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.
2024-25 Mentorships
Mentee: Ballarat Performing Arts Community
Mentor: Lung Ong
The Ballarat Performing Arts Community was mentored by Lung Ong to develop a strategic plan for future growth.
Mentee: Eildon Events
Mentor: Arts Mansfield
Eildon Events was mentored by Arts Mansfield to establish it as a new community presenter.
Mentee: Toora Arts Network
Mentor: Panjiti Lawrence
Toora Arts Network was mentored by Panjiti Lawrence to develop a volunteer management plan.
Mentee: Mirboo North Arts
Mentor: Peter Murden
Mirboo North Arts were mentored by Peter Murden to develop systems of operation to successfully expand current networks and activities.