Creative space sees State support

LOCAL entrepreneurs can continue to access a range of programs, thanks to a boost in funding from the State Government.

A $288 million investment in the state’s creative economy will see $4.5 million allocated for the Creative Neighbourhoods programs, which provides affordable workspaces such as the Emporium Creative Hub on Mitchell Street.

Manager of Emporium David Hughes said the funding is crucial to the operation of the space and enables the continued delivery workshops and programs at reasonable prices.

“It means that our future is secure for another three years if not more,” he said.

Services such as the incubation and mentoring program are offered for smaller, upcoming creatives to enhance their businesses for reasonable prices.

“The incubation program is our flagship program, our last one we had 15 participants come on board for 12 weeks and it was an intensive program.

“The mentoring program is a bit of a one-on-one program, so we have paired 13 local creative entrepreneurs with 13 highly successful creatives or businesspeople.”

He said they are conscious that programs like these can be expensive, so they are thrilled to be able to subsidise most of the costs.

The Emporium has been taking tenants for the past six months and is seeking to help the local creative community bounce back from the pandemic.

Mr Hughes said he has bigger aspirations for the space, subject to continued funding.

“We’d really like to invest in more of the technological aspect of being able to provide facilities for creative industries,” he said. “If we were able to purchase high-tech video cameras and things like that.

“We’ve got the studio space, we’ve got podcasting equipment, it’d be great to be able to take that to the next level.”

He said while any money is great, the most important part is the State Government is showing its support for creative industries.

“The fact that it comes within a Creative Neighbourhoods program is fantastic because from my perspective it’s that support of local grassroots creativity that’s so important,” he said.