Arts and crafts keeping communities connected
15/08/2023Older members of the Portland community are returning to their art, crafts and social activities with accessibility upgrades installed at the Julia Street Creative Space, thanks to support from the Victorian Government.
Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing today announced the completion of works at the centre, backed by $20,000 from the Living Local Fund.
The Julia Street Creative Space is a community-based not-for-profit art complex where members come together to produce fine art, pottery, jewellery, and wood turning among other arts and crafts.
Members were concerned that some participants were not returning to the centre as their mobility declined, and that inaccessibility may be a deterrent for new members looking to join the group.
Support from the Living Local Fund enabled the collective to install a stair-lift chair to provide access to the artist studio, more accessible chairs, hand dryers, and outdoor umbrellas to provide protection from the sun when working outside.
This small project has made a big difference to the centre, which is now able to welcome members with accessibility needs.
The Living Local Fund is part of the Government’s Our Regions: Living Local Initiative strengthening communities. Since 2020 the Fund has supported more than 400 projects in regional and suburban Victoria.
Local councils and community organisations receive grants of up to $200,000 for infrastructure projects, while smaller investments of up to $20,000 are awarded for upgrades to community facilities.
The Living Local Fund is part of the Victorian Government’s record investment of more than $41 billion in regional and rural Victoria since 2015. For more information visit Living Local Regional Fund.