Maribyrnong Creative Places Program Expressions of Interest
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, with programs in the VU Connectivity Centre extended through to 30 May 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.
Exhibitions Opportunity - Now Open
Access to space at no cost to support an exhibition of one-month duration (between February to May 2025). Three opportunities are available to creative practitioners or arts and cultural organisations. This program is offered in the VU Connectivity Centre through a partnership with Victoria University and the Footscray University Town Initiative.
Co-working Space for Creatives - Now Open
Co-working office space will be offered at no cost for creative practitioners, small arts organisations or creative businesses at the VU Connectivity Centre through a partnership with Victoria University and the Footscray University Town Initiative. Co-working office space will be available to creatives looking to join like-minded individuals in central Footscray.
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 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.
How to apply
Expressions of Interest are now open for the Co-working Space and Exhibitions opportunities. Please read through the guidelines for each program below and apply by midnight Thursday 30 January 2025.
If you have any questions about your application or wish to apply in a way that better suits your accessibility needs, please contact Maribyrnong Arts & Culture via 03 9688 0200 or arts@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au to discuss.
Program guidelines
Shopfront Activations
Up to 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)
This opportunity has now closed.
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)
This opportunity has now closed.
Exhibitions Opportunity
Creative practitioners or arts and cultural organisations receive access to space at no cost to support an exhibition of one-month duration (between February to May 2025). Three opportunities are available. This program is offered in the VU Connectivity Centre through a partnership with Victoria University and the Footscray University Town Initiative
Exhibitions run:
- 20 February – 21 March 2025,
- 27 March - 25 April 2025 or
- 1 May - 29 May 2025.
Hours of operation for the exhibition space is Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. The space can be made available outside of these hours but will incur security costs. Security costs for the Opening Night of each exhibition will be supported by the Creative Places pilot program.
Download guidelines for the Exhibitions Opportunity(PDF, 259KB).
Co-Working Space for Creatives
Co-working office space will be offered at no cost for creative practitioners, small arts organisations or creative businesses at the VU Connectivity Centre through a partnership with Victoria University and the Footscray University Town Initiative.
Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm. A shared office space will be available to creatives looking to join like-minded individuals in Central Footscray. Access to business support workshops will be offered to the selected participants as part of the pilot program.
Download guidelines for the Co-Working Space Opportunity(PDF, 253KB).
Key dates
- Expressions of interest open: Monday 6 January 2025
- Expressions of interest close: 11.59pm, Thursday 30 January 2025.
- Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application within three weeks of applications closing.
- Selected participants for the Co-working Opportunity can move in from 10 February 2025. Installation dates for the selected artists/creatives for the Exhibition Opportunities are in the Guidelines.
- The Creative Place pilot program will be available to selected participants until 30 May 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
The form linked below allows you to apply for either the Co-working Space or Exhibition opportunities. Please ensure you are familiar with requirements of the opportunity you are applying for by reading guidelines available above.
Please consider having a conversation with a Maribyrnong Arts & Culture staff member before submitting your application via via (03) 9688 0200 or arts@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
Click here to view form.
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