Emporium Creative Hub

The Hub offers: 

• workspaces, meeting rooms and a presentation space for local creatives and creative businesses
• a membership-based business program for residents and the broader creative community to develop their business skills, knowledge and networks
• regular events designed to bring the creative community together to share their products, projects and insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Emporium Creative Hub located? 

It is located on the ground floor of the former Morley’s Emporium site on Mitchell Street in the heart of Bendigo’s CBD. 

Who is running it?

Emporium Creative Hub is an initiative of the Victorian Government and it is led by ACMI and a locally based team, in partnership with a Local Advisory Board. 

ACMI has been contracted to develop and operate the Hub until October 2024 with a view to building a local team to take the reins from then on.

When will it open?

Emporium Creative Hub have launched targeted online events and business development and support programs for the local creative business community in 2020. To find more information about upcoming events and programs, or desk and space hire, including pricing visit the Emporium Creative Hub website.

Who can access it?

Emporium Creative Hub is designed and programmed to support the needs of individual creative practitioners and small to medium creative businesses (2–6 staff) working in the Bendigo region. Creative practitioners and businesses can be commercially focused or not for profit and working in arts and culture, screen, fashion, digital games, design or associated fields. 

There are several ways to get involved: 

• as a resident coworker 
• as a partner
• becoming a community member
• participating in events presented by Emporium Creative Hub

Who is on the Local Advisory Board?

The advisory board is made up of a diverse group of creative industries representatives from the Greater Bendigo region. With experience across a range of different creative practices and businesses they provide vibrant perspectives for the development of the Emporium Creative Hub community. Read more about the Local Advisory Group members on our website. www.emporiumcreativehub.com.au/community

How many people will be able to work there?

ACMI has worked with Bendigo architecture firm e+ architecture to design Emporium Creative Hub to include workspaces, meeting rooms and event spaces, catering for up to 24 work stations.  

What will it offer for resident workers/coworkers?

Supported by a dedicated Manager and a part time Administrator, coworkers at Emporium Creative Hub will have access to desk space and storage along with the following benefits: 

• a supported coworking community
• 24/7 access to The Hub
• high speed wi-fi
• photography and video studio
• podcasting equipment
• bookable meeting rooms
• a kitchen
• print facilities
• multi-use project/presentation space
• access to Emporium Creative Hub business and social programming
• access to guest programming at The Hub
• a bookable desk at ACMI X in Melbourne

Through ACMI’s involvement, a hot desk will also be available at the ACMI X coworking space in Southbank, Melbourne for Emporium Creative Hub coworkers. ACMI X’s Melbourne residents will also have access to space at Emporium Creative Hub, providing opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

How much will it cost to work on site?

The cost of rent and membership can be found on Emporium Creative Hub’s website. There are several flexible options available to suit the size and scale of any creative business.

Do you need to be a coworker to visit?

Emporium Creative Hub is open to the public for special events and programming. 

What will the business program involve?

Emporium Creative Hub members will have access to regular business support programs such as specialist legal and accounting services and other professional advice. The Hub will also offer crafted business incubation programming for the creative business community. 

As a community meeting place, The Hub will also help to strengthen connections across the region’s creative community by hosting conversations and programs and showcasing opportunities where local creatives can share their projects and seek feedback.

Why is ACMI operating/involved with Emporium Creative Hub? 

ACMI has taken on the role of establishing the operations and programming of Emporium Creative Hub in partnership with local creative industries stakeholders. We have been contracted until October 2024 and will establish the local team to operate the site from then on.

We welcome applications to become a part of Emporium Creative Hub’s community