Footscray residents will soon benefit from a boost to the state’s creative industries sector, ranging from children’s literacy and digital media skills to courses for teens to mentorships and artist residencies.
One recipient is social enterprise 100 Story Building, that boosts creativity and literacy for children and young people.
100 Story Building chief executive Susan Kukucka said the funding will help more young people reach their full potential.
“We have been awarded $150,000 by Creative Victoria, this support will let us activate our new Footscray building with programs supporting the creative endeavours, well-being, belonging and confidence of young people and children,” she said.
“Since 2013, we have served more than 45,000 children and young people through our creative literacy programs that encourage idea generation, story-making and creative risk-taking.”
The funding will facilitate new writing and publishing programs for young writers at the new centre in Footscray.
“Our new building is set to open in March 2024. We have exciting plans ahead for the new building and that includes initiatives supporting and amplifying a new generation of young voices from Melbourne’s west and beyond, as well as enriching the practices of local artists and authors who collaborate with us,” Ms Kukucka continued.
Creative Industries acting minister Natalie Hutchins announced the two-year grants on January 9 for small creative organisations through the Creative Ventures Program.
“We are backing small businesses and collectives that are the engine room of our creative industries,” Ms Hutchins said.
“Across our suburbs and regions, we are helping build careers of Victorian artists and creative workers, [and] platform new and diverse voices.
“[To] bring original new work to the stage, and provide young people with vital skills and career pathways.”
More than $2 million will support 11 creative ventures including small organisations, micro businesses and creative collectives to deliver programs and create innovative works over the next two years.
