What would happen if the Forge Theatre was handed over to
the community?
That question has sparked IMMERSIVE, a month-long creative takeover of the venue, and the launch of East Gippsland’s first-ever Creative Summit.
Throughout March, the Forge Theatre will be open to East Gippsland’s creative community, forming a collective of artists, musicians, makers, performers and creators of all kinds. The spaces will be used to explore, experiment, develop and share work, including testing new ideas, running workshops, holding rehearsals, exhibitions, gigs, and collaborations.
IMMERSIVE is about making space – both literally and figuratively – for creativity to happen. And for those who don’t consider themselves “creative,” the doors will also be open to the public all month, offering a chance to step inside, witness creativity in action, and discover something new.
The program flips the usual model on its head. Instead of creating programming for the community, the programming is by the community.
In the final week of March, the initiative expands beyond the Forge with Summit on Tour – a series of mini forums across East Gippsland. These sessions will connect with local communities to explore the future of creativity in different parts of the region and how those visions link across the shire.
All of this leads into the East Gippsland Creative Summit on Saturday, March 28. The milestone event will bring together the region’s creative community – and anyone interested – for recognition, celebration, and
learning. Creatives will be invited to present their work, ideas, or collectives through fast-paced three-minute showcase sessions. Whether singing, performing, screening, or presenting, the focus is on connection.
IMMERSIVE and the Creative Summit are part of a broader program designed to connect, share, and shape the future of creativity in East Gippsland. The initiative responds directly to the East Gippsland Shire Council’s 10-year Culture and Creativity Strategy, turning community consultation into action in real spaces with real people doing real creative work.
