29 July 2011

Creative Spaces: River Studios

A disused warehouse is transformed into 57 artist studios in the latest initiative from Creative Spaces.

Opening this weekend, River Studios is set to be Melbourne's newest hub for artists and designers. Situated on the edge of the Maribyrnong River, this once derelict space has now become an affordable home to 57 studios for 75 artists.

A partnership between the building owner, the City of Melbourne and Arts Victoria, River Studios marks the first time property has been leased from the private sector.

In doing so, the scope of the Creative Spaces program – dedicated to finding suitable and affordable space for artists to develop and exhibit their work – has broadened, providing more opportunities for collaboration with architecture firms and developers on future projects.

River Studios is an impressive achievement with far-reaching effects, providing space for artists, promoting creativity and retaining talent locally, as well as demonstrating the value of activating underutilised buildings.

The response from the art community has already been huge – the studios were effectively filled within a week of advertising their availability. In a city where property prices continue to rise and affordable space becomes more and more difficult to secure, these sorts of initiatives become priceless.

Breathe Architecture were responsible for the River Studios fit-out, taking a tricky space and transforming it within the confines of a quick turnaround and tight budget. They were rewarded with a nod at the Australian Institute of Architects' Victoria awards this year for Small Project.

Creative Spaces
creativespaces.net.au

Breathe Architecture
breathe.com.au