Community
14 June, 2024
Derri’ arts hub success results in extension
DERRINALLUM’S Creative Hub @31 will run for another year after Corangamite Shire Council moved to renew the lease of 31 Main Street at last month’s council meeting.
The lease, which was due to expire on July 31, will be renewed for an additional 11 months with an option for a one-year extension on August 1.
Councillor Nick Cole said Creative Hub @31, run by a volunteer subcommittee of the Derrinallum Progress Association, was a “great little thing” for the town.
“They have workshops there for artists and all sorts of creative things happening,” he said.
“Derrinallum even has its own violin maker, probably some of you wouldn’t have expected to see or hear that in Derrinallum.
“An amazing little area that’s trying to do all sorts of different things and they try to sell their wares in the op shop.
“I’ve noticed there’s cars pulled up out in front quite regularly now when it’s open.”
Creative Hub @31 aims to become self-funding through the sale of artists’ works and products, something it has been working towards since its official opening on November 4, 2023.
“The signage is probably not up to where it could be to let people know where it is, but they have recognised that and they’re working on a lot of these things to get more people in there,” Cr Cole said.
“It’s a great little initiative.”
Cr Laurie Hickey seconded the motion.
“I’m very happy to support this renewed lease, particularly given that the building was a former maternal and child health service – it was a facility that was going to be underutilized,” he said.
“It’s fantastic that the Creative Hub can actually work out of there.
“I’m very, very happy to support anything artistic or creative within the shire.”