A pilot program aimed at turning vacant commercial properties in Footscray into creative hubs, is about to move to the next stage.
Maribyrnong council this week called for expressions of interest for the next phase of the creative places pilot program which gives artists, arts organisations and creative businesses access to vacant shops and commercial spaces in central Footscray.
Applications for stage two of the program opened on Monday, January 6, with opportunities for three one-month exhibitions available between February and May.
Co-working spaces are also available from February 10.
Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari said the second stage of the program would build on the initial stage which began in December.
“The creative places pilot program has already created some exciting activations in the Footscray CBD and council is excited to see these successes continue into the future for our creative community,” Cr Tiwari said.
“ We encourage any eligible creative individual or organisation to investigate the opportunities, to see if it is something you could benefit from.”
The first stage of the creative spaces pilot program involved the utilisation of available spaces in the Metro West Building at 136 Nicholson Street.
Among them is Liew Ceramics – located in shop 32 – which is offering hand-building workshops and courses for the community along with a shopfront where ceramic wares are sold and a studio space where collaborations with other artists of other mediums can take place.
Another activation is The Rest of Us (TROU) – located in shop 25 – which run workshops covering various art forms such as drawing, DJing and music, as well as hosting several art exhibitions with artworks for sale.
World’s Worst Wagga Guild, who work to democratise art-making, run all day scrap quilting intensives, as well as ‘bring your own project’ sessions – located at shops 37 and 38.
Around the corner at 251 Barkly Street, Debris Facility presents Conduction, a gallery, workshop, library, performance space, and retail area.
Applications for the second stage of the creative places program must be submitted by midnight on Thursday, January 30.
For more information and to apply, visit:
https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/arts-and-culture/Programs/Maribyrnong-Creative-Places-Pilot-Program-2024-2025/Maribyrnong-Creative-Places-Program-Expressions-of-Interest
