What's being dubbed as the "creative container" is being trialled in the middle of Wollongong's Crown Street Mall.
The space will be used as a studio for established and emerging artists over the next two months as part of Renew Wollongong's initiative to activate vacant spaces around the CBD.
Renew Wollongong project manager Alice Henchion said it's an "anything goes" attitude with creative businesses like artists, makers and musicians demonstrating their skills, holding exhibitions, events, and workshops. While the offering would change up every fortnight.
It's one of several new pop-up spaces which fall under the Renew banner, in the hope to entice other businesses to pickup long-term leases in a space and draw foot traffic back to the area.
Fashion designer Gina Barjeel recently opened a store in the former Optus store on the corner of Crown Street and Church Street. Mrs Barjeel helps migrant and refugee women to learn and find jobs in the industry, whilst producing sustainable and stylish clothing.
The former Telstra shop at 1 Globe Lane has been flagged for the 3D Studio collective which includes a screen printer, music producer and visual artist.
While Arts Eclectic - a female collective with visual artists and a furniture upholsterer - will soon be moving into the old Payless Shoes building near Globe Lane.
Each short-term tenancy under the Renew program is free or low cost.
Ms Henchion said the concept has taken some time to get property owners on board, but it was now going really well.
"We've had one participant sign a lease - that's Hidden Harvest and Society City," she said.
Creatives wanting to apply for the Renew project can CLICK HERE.
Desiree Savage
I write about arts and entertainment, plus other bits and pieces in between at the Illawarra Mercury.
I write about arts and entertainment, plus other bits and pieces in between at the Illawarra Mercury.
