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Bendigo's performing arts fans are being encouraged to put their stamp on the city's new theatre.
The team behind the state-of-the-art Ulumbarra Theatre complex have launched a donor program to raise extra funds for the $25.8 million site.
City of Greater Bendigo City Futures director Stan Liacos said Council and State Government funding would see the complex built, but said additional money was required to ensure its ongoing operation.
"We need to ensure we have a suite of collaborative partners and supporters to ensure our operations are equally tip-top to match our stupendous new theatre," Mr Liacos said.
"We clearly have enough money to build a great theatre but this is very much about raising valuable revenue to give the running of the theatre added sparkle and to help operations.
"This is about giving us extra fuel in the tank to make sure we run a superb venue."
Mr Liacos said the money would help purchase items such as pianos, music stands and production equipment and fund scholarships and specialist programming.
He said donors who participated in the Take Your Seat! donor program would be honoured with a plaque bearing the donor's name on a seat in the new auditorium.
A donation of $500 will see your name on a regular theatre seat, for $2500 you will be honoured in the front row of either the stalls or balcony, and for lucky donors who contribute $5000, their names will be emblazoned on the ten best seats in the house.
Bendigo businesses Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety and the Bendigo Advertiser were the first to jump on board and will have four seats to their name. Mr Liacos said the program was a great way to engage the community in the theatre's development.
"The notion of “selling seats” is not a new concept - it's about local ownership of the venue. It gives people with a passion for arts and entertainment an opportunity to be directly connected to the venue," he said.
For more information, visit www.ulumbarratheatre.com.au.