Small Halls Mentorships gives Community Presenters the chance to work with a dedicated mentor. We will match successful applicants with mentors whose experience can support areas such as marketing, governance, programming, planning and more. The mentorship will lead up to a real-life performance presentation by a Community Presenter.
There are four Small Halls Mentorships available each year, each providing for payment of a mentor and financial contribution towards the cost of a live performance.
Community Presenters are organisations which arrange for performances or other creative experiences in regional communities. They include hall management committees, arts societies and organisations which hire local venues for events (see eligibility details in the guidelines below).
The details
Who it’s for: Community Presenters
What’s involved:
- One-on-one mentorship with an experienced Community Presenter or someone else whose expertise will support the successful applicant.
- You can either nominate a preferred mentor, or RAV will help match you with a mentor.
- A performance of your choice in your local hall in 2027.
- Funding support of $4500 to support creative costs ($3000 towards performance costs and $1500 for mentor costs).
- Tailored skills development in programming, marketing, presentation and venue activation.
- Connection to a network of Community Presenters in your region, Victoria and beyond.
Recipients
2026-27
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,
Mentee: Bethanga Soldiers Memorial Hall
Mentor: Anita Laurence
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: Kate Hancock
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: Loraine Little
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
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.
The 2026 Touring Victoria, Small Regional Presenters and Touring Services have been made possible with the support of the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and the Community Support Fund.
