Back row from left: Daisy Kilbourne, Rachael Hobbs (Operation Karma), Laura Hobbs (Operation Karma), Sarah Hobbs (Operation Karma), Front row from left: Lesley Alway (Chair, Geelong Arts Centre), Rhys Holden (CEO & Creative Director, Geelong Arts Centre), Lorraine Costa, Brad Costa, Christine Couzens MP, Rob Costa

Geelong’s new live music venue Church honours local legend Kevin Costa

A new chapter for Geelong’s live music scene has begun, with the city’s newest performance space officially named Kevin Costa Church in recognition of one of the region’s most passionate community champions.

At a special gathering celebrating the generosity of the Costa family and Geelong Arts Centre’s philanthropic community, last night two plaques were unveiled on the façade of the historic Ryrie Street building, marking the venue’s official dedication in honour of the late Kevin Costa (1944–2022).

A beloved Geelong figure, Kevin Costa was known for his unwavering commitment to strengthening the community he called home. Through decades of leadership, advocacy and generosity, Kevin supported countless local organisations, including St Joseph’s College Foundation, where he served as Founding Director and Chair for more than 20 years, as well as the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Anam Cara House Geelong, Gateways, Rice Village Aged Care and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Kevin Costa Church

Where: 71 Ryrie Street, Geelong

When: Officially opening 14 August

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His connection to Geelong Arts Centre was equally significant, with Kevin sharing a strong belief in the power of creativity, performance and the arts to bring people together.

Now, that legacy will continue through Church, Geelong’s newest live performance venue housed within a beautifully restored 1800s church on Ryrie Street.

Opening this month, Church has been created as an intimate, professionally supported home for independent musicians and performers. The venue aims to remove barriers for local artists, giving them a place to experiment, develop their craft, connect with audiences and take creative risks.

Kevin’s son Brad Costa said seeing his father’s name connected to the new venue was a meaningful tribute to his lifelong dedication to Geelong. He says “Kevin cared deeply about Geelong, its people and its future, so it is incredibly meaningful to see his name carried forward through a venue that will support local artists and bring the community together.”

Geelong Arts Centre CEO and Creative Director Rhys Holden says Kevin’s generosity and belief in the project played a vital role in bringing Church to life. “Kevin Costa made an extraordinary contribution to Geelong through his generosity, leadership and longstanding commitment to the community. His support for the arts, and his belief in what Church could offer the region, helped make this new venue possible. It feels truly fitting for Church to now proudly bear his name.”

Church’s story is deeply connected to the city’s creative history. The restored building has lived many lives, from a place of worship to a restaurant, and later a rehearsal space for some of Australia’s most celebrated performers, including Guy Pearce, Rachel Griffiths and the Woolly Jumpers, an early iteration of Geelong’s Ibsen Award-winning Back to Back Theatre.

By naming the venue in honour of Kevin Costa and the Costa family, Geelong Arts Centre celebrates both the building’s rich past and the generosity that will help shape its future.

Through the support of the Costa Family and Geelong Arts Centre’s philanthropic community, fundraising campaigns have now exceeded $3 million, helping transform the historic site into a new home for artists and audiences alike.

Powered by artists, producers and philanthropic believers, Church is operated by Geelong Arts Centre and proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.

Church officially opens to the public on August 14. For more information, including the opening gig series and artist lineup, head here.