La Trobe University has expanded its footprint in Bendigo, acquiring the Emporium Creative Hub lease as part of its plan to revitalise the city centre and strengthen partnerships with creative industries.
This acquisition from the Victorian Government signifies a major step forward in La Trobe's long-term aspiration in positioning Bendigo as a vibrant university city.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the Emporium Creative Hub would play an essential role in achieving La Trobe's vision, helping to inspire the next generation of students while contributing to the economic and cultural vitality of the region.
"La Trobe sees immense value in what the Hub has achieved in supporting creative industries to evolve in Bendigo's city centre," Professor Farrell said.
"The University is committed to building on the great work of the Victorian Government, driving collaboration with existing and new creative tenants for the growth of Bendigo."
The Victorian Government established the Emporium Creative Hub in 2019, funded through the Community Support Fund and Creative Victoria.
Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said: "This new hub is making sure Bendigo's beautiful and vibrant creative sector continues to thrive - backing local jobs, businesses and attracting thousands of people to Bendigo."
Colin Brooks, Minister for Creative Industries, said: "The Emporium Creative Hub was established to connect the local creative community and help creative businesses from across our region to thrive. Over the past five years, it has delivered on this and so much more.
"Since opening its doors in 2019, it has become a vibrant co-working space that has fostered new ideas, collaborations, career pathways, learning and development, and growth.
"We proudly backed the Hub's establishment phase as part of our first Creative State strategy, and we look forward to its continued success and impact under the leadership of La Trobe University."
Maree Edwards, Member for Bendigo West, said: "This is an exciting step for Bendigo, bringing together education, creativity and innovation to further strengthen our city's vibrant cultural heart.
"La Trobe's investment will create new opportunities for local talent, businesses and students, boosting Bendigo's profile as a university city."
La Trobe's new CBD location complements its existing facilities at the La Trobe Art Institute and the Flora Hill campus. The city presence will expand further with the completion of the Clinical Teaching Building near Bendigo Hospital, which will house the new dentistry and oral health pre-clinical teaching facilities by 2026.
The Hub will remain a co-networking space for creative businesses, aiding La Trobe in strengthening industry partnerships and forging new relationships. There may be opportunities to expand work-integrated learning for students.
Marg O'Rourke OAM, Bendigo Head of Campus, said the Hub would also provide a unique opportunity to engage a wider demographic.
"We see the Hub as a chance to unlock Bendigo's potential; where everyone in the community feels empowered to explore higher education opportunities and discover what La Trobe has to offer," Marg said.
"Inviting people into the Hub's inclusive space will enable them to interact directly with La Trobe Student Recruitment staff and build relationships with our arts cohort, many of whom are University alum and have been involved in Hub programs since the beginning."
The La Trobe Art Institute and Bendigo Tech School have collaborated with the Hub for workshops and artist residencies.
Dr Karen Annett, Director of the La Trobe Art Institute, said there would be further opportunities to expand on their strong programming relationship with the Hub.
"In recent years, La Trobe Art Institute and the Hub have co-curated film screenings, artist talks and professional development sessions for regional creatives and audiences," Dr Annett said.
"We look forward to working closely in the future to create even more opportunities for artists, community and industry to come together."
PHOTO: Dr Karen Annett, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Regional) Associate Professor Melanie Bish, Maree Edwards MP, Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell, Louise Davis and Marg O'Rourke OAM.
