Maribyrnong Creative Places Pilot Program

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Creative Places is a pilot program by Maribyrnong City Council that aims to transform underutilised commercial properties in the Footscray Central Business District into dynamic, vibrant and accessible creative spaces.

This program, supported by investment from the Victorian Government’s Creative Neighbourhoods Partnerships Pilot Program, will foster community involvement, stimulate economic revitalisation, and address the need for affordable venues for the local creative community.

The pilot program will span from 10 December 2024 to 31 March 2025.

Opportunities for artists

  • Shopfront Activations: Four vacant shopfront spaces will be available to creative businesses or arts and cultural organisations from 10 December 2024 to 31 March 2025 in Footscray’s CBD at low or no cost.
  • Public Art Photography Commission: Presented in collaboration with the Centre for Contemporary Photography, a local photographer will be given a $5,000 commission to exhibit a photographic series on the exterior of the former Forges building in large-scale billboard formats.

Networking and connection

The Creative Places Pilot Program is designed to bring empty spaces to life.  It will include a series of events aimed at connecting artists, community members, and property owners. These gatherings will include a launch event, networking sessions, and a closing event, providing essential opportunities for collaboration and dialogue.  

Pop-up performances, exhibition openings and other events created by the selected participants will pepper the program, ensuring the community remains involved throughout. To stay updated with these events, please follow Maribyrnong Arts & Culture on Facebook or Maribyrnong Arts & Culture on Instagram.

Program guidelines

Shopfront Activations

Four vacant shop spaces will be available from 10 December 2024 to 31 March 2025 in Footscray’s CBD at low or no cost. 

This opportunity is ideal for creative businesses, entrepreneurs or arts organisations who wish to engage with the public in the form of a gallery, retail space, workshop, pop-up, or other community-engaged activities. 

Access to business support workshops will be offered to the selected participants as part of the pilot program.

Guidelines for the Shopfront Activations Opportunity(PDF, 259KB)

Public Art Photography Commission

Presented in collaboration with the Centre for Contemporary Photography, a local photographer will be given a $5000 commission to exhibit a photographic series on the exterior of the former Forges building in large-scale billboard formats.

The selected artist will also be profiled in a Public Program presented by the Centre for Contemporary Photography.

Artist Brief for Public Art Photography Commission(PDF, 727KB)

 

Key dates

  • Expressions of interest open: Tuesday 29 October 2024.
  • Expressions of interest close: 5pm Tuesday 19 November 2024.
  • Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application within three weeks of applications closing.
  • Selected participants can move in / commence improvements from 10 December 2024.
  • The Creative Place pilot program will be available to selected participants until 31 March 2025.  Beyond this date, any future negotiations would be between the participants and the building owner.

 

Information for property owners

As the pilot unfolds, Council is eager to hear from other property owners in the City of Maribyrnong who may wish to participate in future versions of Creative Places.

Please email arts@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au to introduce yourself and set up a meeting to learn more about how local artists and creative entrepreneurs can activate empty spaces and reinvigorate our city.

 

Application form

Applications closed at 5pm on 19 November 2024. Please consider subscribing to Maribyrnong Arts & Culture's ArtBytes e-newsletter to stay connected with this program and future opportunities for creatives. 

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