LOCAL entrepreneurs can continue to access a range of programs, thanks to a boost in funding from the State Government.<\/p>\n
A $288 million investment in the state\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means that our future is secure for another three years if not more,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Services such as the incubation and mentoring program are offered for smaller, upcoming creatives to enhance their businesses for reasonable prices.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Mr Hughes said he has bigger aspirations for the space, subject to continued funding.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019d really like to invest in more of the technological aspect of being able to provide facilities for creative industries,\u201d he said. \u201cIf we were able to purchase high-tech video cameras and things like that.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got the studio space, we\u2019ve got podcasting equipment, it\u2019d be great to be able to take that to the next level.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said while any money is great, the most important part is the State Government is showing its support for creative industries.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fact that it comes within a Creative Neighbourhoods program is fantastic because from my perspective it\u2019s that support of local grassroots creativity that\u2019s so important,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\u2019s 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 […]<\/p>\n