- Minister for Creative Industries
Victoria’s reputation as the creative state of Australia will be strengthened through a new Andrews Labor Government program supporting creative spaces and coworking places in regional areas.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley today announced the new Regional Coworking Spaces and Creative Places program, offering grants of up to $75,000 for projects that will help develop new creative spaces and help existing spaces run programs.
Expressions of interest are now open for the program, running as a pilot this year. It is the first Creative Victoria program to support infrastructure costs as well as projects and partnerships that will bring creative spaces like coworking hubs, artist studios and rehearsal spaces to life.
Supported projects could include a feasibility study or fit-out costs to transform a vacant building into an artist studio, equipment costs, or boosting funding into a program or space for local creatives.
A simple online expressions of interest process is now open – individuals and organisations like social enterprises, not-for-profit organisations and regional councils are invited to apply.
Regional Coworking Spaces and Creative Places is an initiative of Creative State 2016-2020, the Labor Government’s strategy to grow and strengthen the creative industries across Victoria.
It builds upon the Government’s strong commitment to increasing access and participation in the regions, from providing ongoing funding to 33 performing arts centres and galleries, to a suite of new programs boosting touring activity and the capacity of regionally-based presenters to bring performances to their areas.
Applications for Regional Coworking Spaces and Creative Places close on 9 October. For more information, visit creative.vic.gov.au.
As noted by Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“Victoria is the creative state and this program seeks visionary ideas for projects that will benefit our creatives who live outside of Melbourne.”
“Whether you’ve got an ambitious plan to transform a disused space or are seeking support to buy equipment or trial new programs – we want to hear from you.”
As noted by Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
“Access to creative spaces ensures vibrant and active communities – we’re proud to encourage country Victorians to get involved in the arts and support emerging creative talent in the regions.”
