The Room to Create Responsive Grant Program supports the local creative sector by providing funds for goods/services that will assist creative spaces stay in Yarra.

Recent recipient Memphis Gardens in Abbotsford received $2,000 toward completing new electrical works, giving the ability to install new individual power points into each studio as well as some new lighting.

Joseph Flynn is the driving force behind Memphis Gardens and has been working hard to get the space up and running.

‘Memphis Gardens was started after I left a studio I started in Brunswick called Studio 11 (now Cozens St Studios). I wanted to have a job in the arts industry but struggled to find one that suited my timetable at Uni as I was finishing my Masters of Contemporary Art at the time at the VCA. I've always enjoyed curating exhibitions and organising events from my experience as an independent curator and also the director of a gallery that used to be in the city (Gallery One Three) and also really wanted to run my own business, so opening Memphis Gardens was the perfect answer and also the ultimate challenge. I still have a way to go with it, but it's looking really good and the people I have in there are all incredible creative practitioners that I admire.’

The studio cultivates creative individuals and small businesses ranging from design, fashion, art, ceramics and architecture to web and app development and more. Memphis Gardens has a gallery space (Memphis Projects) in which exhibitions and pop-ups will be held regularly as well as artist workshops to benefit our surrounding community. Memphis Gardens also provide a photography studio, tools workshop, sound proof meeting room, wet studio, workshop and launch events space for their creative tenants and other creative individuals or small businesses.

The Room to Create Responsive Grant Program pool is $25,000 per annum and funding is capped at $2,000 for a standalone grant or at $5,000 for a matching grant – when the applicant is able to make a matching contribution towards the project.