East Gippsland Shire Council has released the results of IMMERSIVE, a month-long creative development program that gave local artists the opportunity to test new ideas, build skills and connect with audiences – with results exceeding expectations.

Launched through an Expression of Interest process late last year, IMMERSIVE transformed the Forge Theatre into a creative hub where artists and creatives from across the region could develop and share new work through workshops, artist residencies, open studios, exhibitions, live music and performances.

Across the month, IMMERSIVE delivered:

• 68 creatives involved in the program
• 22 paid opportunities created
• Over 450 engagements through performances, workshops and exhibitions
• Several firsts for the Forge Theatre, including locally composed music performances, poetry events, creative workshops and a live Dungeons & Dragons theatre experience

More than 80% of the projects developed through IMMERSIVE are continuing in some form, with participants rebooking the Forge, developing new work and running activity across the Shire.

Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said IMMERSIVE showed the value of giving local creatives the space and support to experiment.

"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."

The evaluation found the program's greatest success was not only the finished performances and exhibitions, but the confidence, skills and connections developed along the way.

By reducing barriers and providing access to professional spaces, support and encouragement, IMMERSIVE enabled creatives to test ideas, learn and develop new work.

East Gippsland artist Caroline Packer, who exhibited and ran workshops as part of the program, said the experience had given her the confidence to continue growing her creative practice.

"It had a great atmosphere, with the band, the bar and the outdoor area all adding to the vibe of the opening. 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.

IMMERSIVE forms part of Council's broader work to make the Forge Theatre more open and accessible to the community, recognising that barriers are often not cost, but confidence and knowing how to access the space.

Council looks forward to supporting the next chapter of the creative ideas sparked through IMMERSIVE.

‍