Arapiles Community Theatre Inc

Arapiles Community Theatre Inc (ABN: 40044864916RR0001) is an Australian not-for-profit arts and cultural organisation based in Natimuk, Victoria. Established in 1979 and incorporated in 1980, the organisation originally focused on amateur theatre and has since evolved to embrace a broader spectrum of artistic disciplines, including dance, visual arts, and film.

History

Arapiles Community Theatre (ACT) was the first formal amateur theatre group in the Natimuk region. Its name was derived from its membership, which came from communities surrounding Mount Arapiles. The core mission was centred on creating and performing theatre; ACT was particularly active through the 1980s and 1990s, often staging musicals and plays with extensive rehearsal periods and touring productions to neighbouring towns. One notable achievement was the world premiere of the musical Pride and Prejudice in Gymbowen. Over time, as the local demographic shifted with an influx of rock climbers and artists, ACT expanded its artistic scope beyond traditional theatre[2][5].

Evolution and Activities

Reflecting its broader artistic mission, the organisation rebranded as ACT Natimuk to represent its extended vision. It now supports a wide range of arts, including dance, visual arts, and film, in addition to theatre. The organisation maintains a strong community participation ethos, delivering various arts and cultural projects and events that engage the local population and visitors alike.

Key programs and events include:

• The Nati Frinj Festival, a major cultural event showcasing diverse artistic performances
• The Made In Natimuk program, supporting local creative projects
• Hosting a film society known as Palais de Pixel
• Organising the Goatfest climbing film festival, which was held online in 2020 in response to the pandemic[2][4].

Community and Cultural Engagement

ACT Natimuk acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which it operates, the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagulk peoples, and pays respect to their Elders past, present, and emerging. The organisation places a high emphasis on fostering community involvement and cultural engagement through its programs, aiming to enrich the cultural fabric of the Wimmera region of Western Victoria[2].

Location

The organisation is based in Natimuk, Victoria, operating from community facilities and venues and serving the wider Wimmera region[1][3].

This evolution from a theatre-focused amateur group to a multifaceted arts organisation reflects ACT Natimuk’s commitment to supporting and nurturing the diverse creative talents and cultural life of its community.

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/797592b3-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad24077 [2] https://actnatimuk.com [3] https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.arapiles_community_theatre_inc.2a66984dfd8bd702e472d6af214fb496.html [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/797592b3-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad24077/documents/018bb2f4-2fcf-eb11-8235-002248103e22 [5] https://actnatimuk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ACT-Natimuk-2016-2020.pdf