Handmade Market Academy

Our vision is to create a collaborative community hub, a flexible workspace and learning hub for creative businesses within the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, that do not fit the current flexible working arrangements due to the nature of their business and their flexible needs. Central to this is the establishment of a community studio space where we can provide practical training on presentation, marketing and preparation for markets and exhibitions.

The project will support

● local craft/makers industry/social enterprises
● mothers – seeking identity, life balance,
● isolated groups in the community
● home based businesses

There is a vibrant handmade community in Melbourne, but there are no longer apprenticeships for this type of work. In the absence of formal training new and emerging artists and artisans are disconnected and often have no relevant support when establishing themselves in business. This project would provide greater economic stability as handmade artisans would have a space to network, share ideas, and learn in the marketplace. With a practical training area we can establish higher standards in branding, marketing, and presentation of products.
Handmade is a growing industry as more people seek recycled and traditional items.