by Colour Box Studio Founder/Director Amie Batalibasi.
Well folks, it’s been one year since we first got the keys to 236 Nicholson St, Footscray (Rebel Tattoos at the time) and transformed it into Colour Box Studio. It’s been a pleasure to work with a team of wonderful volunteers over that time to support, nurture and showcase Melbourne’s creative community.
Back in April during our Pozible campaign, we were so happy that you, the Colour Box Studio community, pledged funds to help us raise the $7000 + that we needed to keep our creative programs running from May -October 2013. A sincere thanks to the 160 + peeps out there who supported the campaign and we hope you all enjoyed your rewards!
Here’s a bit of information about what we’ve done in that time – we’ve been busy and we’ve been able to:
• Bring together a wonderful Colour Box Studio Management Team;
• Writing and Performance Program;
• Establish a Public Art Program coordinated by Shae Rooke (continuing);
• Establish Colour Box Studio Membership and hold regular Members and Volunteers nights;
• Music and Sound Program (Sept-Oct 2013);
• Members and Volunteers Showcase Program (28 Oct – 6 Nov 2013)
• Summer Pop Up Program (9 Nov- 21 Dec 2013)
Each of our programs have involved Pop Up Shops, Creative Workshops, Events, Small Projects, Residencies, Public Art and more. We’ve also, participated in three Art Crawls with other creative spaces in Footscray hosted by Chantal Wynter as part of On Foot and Maribyrnong City Council Tours. We’ve run Pop Up Programs in other locations like Highpoint Shopping Center and we’re currently a part of the Pozible Pop Up Shop at Fort Delta in the city. We’ve also provided opportunities for artists to host workshops in other locations around Melbourne and promoted our artists through our blog, social networks and in the Melbourne media. We’ve also engaged a wonderful team of volunteers who have assisted with our Pop Up Shop, graphic design and events (thanks vollys because we wouldn’t be here without you!!).
Here’s some of the artists and creative peeps we’ve showcased: Torika Bolatagici, Suzanne Nguyen, Kathryn Goldie, Jessica Dean, Karenne Rees, Emily Boyle, Leonie Connellan, Kirsten Krauth, Tasha Nicholls,Suzanne Nguyen, Shae Rooke, Magnani Papers, Legitimate Films, Ivan Malekin, Rachel Main, Christopher Parry, Steve Boyd, Léuli Eshraghi, Pauline Vetuna, Jane Rawson, Hariklia-Heristanidis ,Aliça Bryson-Haynes, Lizzy Sampson, Elizabeth Davie, Liz Doust, Tewodros Fekadu, Super Rad Nail Sisters, Shae Rooke, Young Media Makers Project, Nico Reddaway, William Head, Diego Ramirez, Rachel Main, Melissa Matveyeff, Trewlea Peters, Pasifik Young Artists project, Grace Vanilau, Robert K Champion, Garth Sheridan… and more…
The Next Chapter
As per our 2013 Pozible campaign, we mentioned that Colour Box Studio’s lease at 236 Nicholson St, Footscray was current until 31 October 2013. The 31st October is fast approaching! We have an awesome event planned for that night – Throw Up Your Art – and we invite you to come down. So, our time at 236 Nicholson St, Footscray is coming to an end (but Colour Box Studio will continue through 2013, 2014 and beyond – see info below).
We want to keep our community informed about the next chapter, so here’s few answers to questions that you might have…
What is next in 2013?
Well, we have managed to get a few more months on the lease (yay!) and we will be hosting a Colour Box Studio Members and Volunteers Showcase Program 26 Oct – 6 November. Then our last program at 236 Nicholson St, Footscray, will be our Summer Pop Up Program 9 Nov – 21 Dec 2013 that will include a Christmas Pop Up Shop, events, creative workshops as per last year only better!
What’s the next chapter for Colour Box Studio in 2014 and beyond?
As of next year, Colour Box Studio will still be around! Never fear! We will evolve, adapt and grow according to community need and input. Initially, we will continue as an Online Community Creative Hub and we will also continue as a Pop Up Creative Space. We will be developing the website so that it has user generated capabilities and heaps more… We will be popping up with Shops, Events, Workshops in different locations (as mentioned above). And if we find the right space in Footscray to inhabit for a while, we’ll take it. 😉
What will happen to Colour Box Studio Membership?
If you have a current Colour Box Studio 6 Month Membership, the benefits will still apply (contact us if you have any questions). We will be restructuring & developing our Membership program next year – stay tuned for details.
What is happening to the site at 236 Nicholson St, Footscray?
A 12-storey apartment building is going ahead (read more here). We’re sad to be leaving this historical building built in about 1910 and it’s been really an amazing experience to meet people who have come to Colour Box Studio and shared their stories about the old days of the pub and the old Printing Press that used to be located at Colour Box Studio. However, we invite you to come down and help us to celebrate the space before it is demolished and keep an eye out for our next move! Come join us for this:
And this:
