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.
2024-2025 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.