letters of support
29 May 2024
rupert myer ao
I am writing to highlight the commendable efforts of Barnacle Studios Collective, particularly considering the recommendation from A New Approach (ANA), Australia's national arts and culture think tank to prioritise investment in cultural participation programs and arts-based initiatives. These initiatives have the power to bring communities together, impart crucial skills, and promote social inclusion and cohesion.
The disparity in cultural resources and infrastructure allocation within Greater Melbourne is particularly evident on the Southern Peninsula. Despite being situated within the metropolitan borders, the region lags well behind in its' access to cultural amenities compared to neighbourhoods closer to the city.
Research consistently underscores the transformative impact of cultural and creative activities on community dynamics. Projects aimed at fostering cooperation and access to the arts and culture not only cultivate a sense of belonging and trust, but also bolster empathy, combat loneliness, and contribute to creative skills and the education required to equip young minds for a rapidly changing work-scape.
Enterprises like Barnacle Studios are necessary to address these pressing issues within underserved locales. By providing a space for local artists and creative entities to collaborate and interact with the community, Barnacle Studios not only nurtures talent, but also serves as a catalyst for community engagement and discovery.
Moreover, Barnacles’ commitment to developing skills enhancement programs and fostering a supportive platform for artists and their communities is commendable.In a landscape where securing sustainable funding for creative efforts is a perpetual challenge, their innovative for-purpose business model with a not-for-profit ethos is both intriguing and promising.
Given Sally's track record of delivering diverse creative programming in Australia and abroad, along with Max's successful entrepreneurship and the proven concept of Jackie Jones, I have confidence in the continued success of the project.
I am optimistic that with ongoing support and investment, initiatives like Barnacle Studios will not only thrive but also serve as a model for sustainable cultural development in underserved regions.
I wholeheartedly endorse such endeavours, as they hold the key to unlocking the full potential of our communities and enriching our collective cultural landscape. They are critical programs especially at a time of low social cohesion. I fervently believe that such programs are essential for community well-being and not just “nice to have”.
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rupert myer ao
Philanthropist
3 May 2024
chisholm institute of tafe
Chisholm Art and Design Management team recently met with Sally and Max of the Barnacle Studios team, and were very impressed by the professionalism, knowledge, determination, and passion of the people behind the Barnacles Studio project. We know these are the qualities required to bring this project to life, and to continue as a viable community resource into the future.
Chisholm Institute of Tafe has a long standing tradition of Art and Design Education in the South East Catchment. We can see the benefits of this project to community in engaging and interacting with the creative sector. Tafe stands on principles of connection with Industry, and we know Barnacle Studios will create a collective force which provides all in the community, in particular young people, a place to engage, learn and understand the importance of the Arts in our world.
We look forward to working, with Barnacles Studios towards enriching the Rosebud and surrounds community and promoting the Arts and Education.
michelle crotty
Manager, Chisholm Art and Design
1 March 2024
renew australia
Renew Australia has had the pleasure of meeting the Barnacle Studios team, and support their initiative to develop a long-term creative hub rooted in the fabric of Rosebud.
Renew Australia is a national Social Enterprise and Not For Profit designed to catalyse community renewal, economic development, the arts and creative industries across Australia. Part of Renew Australia’s remit is to offer resources and mentorship to those within the creative industries, that in turn paves the way for long term, sustainable support for local creative communities and enterprises by capacity building organisations such as Barnacle Studios.
Renew also brings with it project management capability and business development knowledge, and as part of mentorship and project support,
Renew focuses on supporting independent entities to generate viable creative business models. In early conversations with Barnacle Team, Renew have been impressed with the team’s understanding of identifying long term revenue streams that will support the studio to be self-sustaining beyond initial public investment.
We strongly believe in supporting creative enterprises and start-ups to embrace experimentation in various forms, and foster collaboration and engagement within communities. It is felt by Renew that Barnacle Studio’s work and directive as an innovative public art organisation would not only benefit from this opportunity, but would deliver a high calibre exhibition and collaborative hub in Rosebud.
Therefore Renew Australia also believes Barnacle Studios particular emphasis and ethos centred around engaging and supporting local creative businesses lends itself to becoming a long-term contributor to the Rosebud community, and the network of traders and businesses within the area. As such Renew Australia will continue to provide limited in-kind support to Barnacle Studios as they progress towards establishing themselves within the Precinct.
The Renew team hold Barnacle Studios in high regard and have great confidence in the team to deliver a viable, and engaging space that will promote and support the creative industries and this wonderful township whilst presenting as a leading independent creative institution for years to come.
renew australia
22 April 2024
andrea rowe
I’m writing in support of the proposed Barnacle Studios Collective in Rosebud. This is a tremendously exciting vision to strengthen and connect our cultural and artistic community, and our wider Mornington Peninsula region.
As a Children’s Book Council of Australia and Australian Speech Pathology Book of the Year award-winning author, I tour many venues helping children connect with reading, writing, and imagining, and help adults explore writing skills. I well know the benefit of providing dynamic and collaborative gathering spaces for the community.
Rosebud and our wider community have long been calling for a venue that offers a space for creatives to gather for inspiration, creative fellowship, shared expression, exhibitions, and workshop spaces. In my 20 years living and working in this region, I have struggled to find accessible, inclusive venues that offer inspiring energy and reliable services for emerging and aspiring writer workshops.
When I founded the Peninsula Writers’ Club and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor’s Writing Award, it was my hope that we could identify and operate in a studio space providing access to fellow artists and creatives, as well as becoming a beacon for collective expression. Instead, we were at the mercy of cafes and restaurants with limited services or constrained by changing access and budget limitations in Mornington Peninsula Shire-owned venues. This made it impossible to establish a credible base for writers to gather and for the community to find us.
Similarly, as an author seeking to grow my youth writing workshop offerings in our community, I have struggled to find attractive venues that reflect the spirit of story gathering and writing.
We know from research that young people who make connections with authors and illustrators are more likely to continue reading and writing above the expected level for their age. Accessing writers through workshops, studio exhibitions, and launches enables young people to explore that artistic direction for themselves. These spaces are vital to nurturing future creatives.
The Mornington Peninsula is also home to several authors who are seeking gathering spaces and writing venues in the company of peers to work on existing manuscripts, as well as spaces for launches and collective projects.
Barnacle Studios Collective provides that stimulating anchor for artistic events, creative support, and a wider community culture. Collective creative energy inspires truth-seeking and innovative expression, while scaffolding our vibrant arts and culture ecosystem.
Barnacle Studios is a stellar vision that deserves to grow for our community, and I look forward to being involved in its future.
andrea rowe
Andrea Rowe
Multi-award winning children’s author
19 March 2024
hello creatives community
I am very excited to hear about [Barnacle Studios'] ideas and venture. It is just what is needed, an accessible space for all creatives!
Hello Creatives is a community minded group that hosts events to encourage, promote, educate and connect with creatives within our community.
Finding spaces that arefully accessible, close to public transport and with a welcoming environment is challenging on the Mornington Peninsula, so we would love to be able to use your space to host these events.
I also run collage workshops, and again finding spaces to run these workshops is a challenge, so I would be very keen to run these in your space also.
More art space, I am all for that!
Looking forward to hearing more and hope to be involved.
eleesa howard
Hello Creatives Director and Founder
1 February 2024
mornington peninsula shire
I am writing to you in support of the proposed establishment of Barnacle Studios Collective in Rosebud.
Cultural experiences enrich all our lives, celebrate our identity, and strengthen our connection to place. Rosebud is one of the Mornington Peninsula’s main activity centres, with gorgeous beaches, yet it also has large pockets of disadvantage with a SEIFA score of 982.4, placing it below the Victorian average – it also neighbours Capel Sound and Tootgarook, which both have lower indexes.
Rosebud is ripe for regeneration, and we know that cultural regeneration is vital for placemaking. Michael Bloomberg once wrote, “Culture attracts capital more than capital attracts culture because the arts are a magnet for dreamers and innovators from every walk of life.”
The Barnacle Studios Collective will play an essential role in supporting our local community to thrive through creative endeavours. It will connect our established and emerging artists, further explore Rosebud’s cultural identity, and provide a focal point for artistic events including music, poetry, theatrical, and visual productions. Stage 2 will see the opening of a permanent hub with dedicated studios and ongoing creative support.
Highlights of this project include:
• Creative community engagement
• Tackling social isolation and loneliness
• Fostering the development of a broad micro-economy
sarah race
Councillor
6 March 2024
dr marian hosking
I am writing in support of the proposed establishment of Barnacle Studios Collective, Rosebud.
I am a silversmith with over 60 years’ experience. I have worked in private and community-based workshops and know the importance of making and sharing. I have worked in a small jewellery production studio with Tor Schwanck in the 1970s, established a jewellery and metalworking studio at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, been a partner in Workshop 3000, lectured at RMIT University, and served as Studio Coordinator of the Metals studio at Monash Art Design and Architecture.
I have been fortunate to receive funding that has enabled me to pursue my career as an independent craft practitioner. I strongly believe that access to a working space and sharing knowledge and facilities creates a healthy and vibrant community. I strongly support the Collective in what it is trying to achieve.
Since moving to the Peninsula six years ago, I have had the opportunity to share a ceramics studio and to join the Peninsula Woodturners Guild. Both these experiences have helped me to build friendships and acquire more and different skills. The PWG has been operating for over 40 years and is a strong testament to the importance of individuals coming together and sharing their knowledge, skills, and equipment.
I have shared my own studio and am happy to share my skills and be involved in a voluntary capacity at Barnacle Studios Collective, Rosebud.
dr marian hosking
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