Emporium Creative Hub

Emporium Creative Hub is a vibrant co-working space and community hub located in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia, dedicated to supporting and developing the local creative industries. Established in 2020 as an initiative of Creative Victoria and originally led by ACMI, the Hub has evolved to become a central point for creative practitioners, entrepreneurs, students, and businesses to work, connect, learn, and grow. Recently, the management of Emporium Creative Hub transitioned to La Trobe University, further solidifying its role in fostering creative talent and strengthening industry partnerships within the region.

Beyond offering physical workspaces, Emporium Creative Hub provides a comprehensive suite of programs designed to nurture creative enterprises. These include business development programs, mentorship opportunities, and creative residency programs, offering free desk space and support for specific projects over three months. The Hub's facilities boast 24 flexible desk spaces, super-fast internet, meeting rooms with video conferencing, and a versatile studio space suitable for photography, filming, and podcasting. It serves as Bendigo's first dedicated coworking space for the creative industries, actively promoting collaboration and skill development.

Emporium Creative Hub occupies the revitalised ground floor of the former Morley's Emporium site at 25 Mitchell Street in Bendigo's CBD, blending heritage architecture with contemporary design. Key period features like pressed metal ceilings were retained, complemented by a modern fit-out tailored to the needs of working creatives. The Hub's commitment extends to offering regular opportunities for professional development, networking events, workshops, and online courses, creating a dynamic environment that combats isolation for creatives often working from home.

Leadership at Emporium Creative Hub includes Manager David Hughes, who played a key role in launching Bendigo's first creative industries coworking space, and Coordinator Linden Read, who manages operations and connections with arts and cultural institutions. Aimee Chapman serves as the programmer, curating events and workshops that foster community and career growth for creatives. The Hub actively supports a diverse range of artistic practices and businesses, aiming to enhance Bendigo's reputation as a vibrant creative centre and a hub for innovation.

The organisation's impact is evident in its various initiatives, such as the Creative Industries Business Incubator program, which supports emerging creators in developing sustainable business models, and the Bendigo ARt Trail app, an innovative project activating physical spaces through augmented reality artworks. Emporium Creative Hub continually seeks to connect creatives with resources and opportunities, strengthening the local creative economy and fostering a collaborative ecosystem.