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Applications open for Victoria’s creative business program, Foundry658

Media release

This is an archived media release. Links were correct at the time of publication, but may have changed or expired.

Tuesday 04 September 2018


Victorian artists and creative businesses can now apply for Foundry658, a Victorian Government-backed intensive business program designed by State Library Victoria and ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image), specifically for the creative sector.

A key initiative of its Creative State strategy, Foundry658 will enable entrepreneurial artists and creative teams to transform their business ideas into thriving enterprises by providing significant cash and in-kind investment, mentorship, coaching and practical expertise.

Two deep-dive bootcamps, taking place in November 2018 and February 2019, will provide accessto the Library and ACMI’s expertise and networks, as well as mentorship, training and support. Up to 25 individuals and teams will participate in each bootcamp, after which 10 high potential businesses will be selected to transition to the accelerator program.

The three-month accelerator will additionally offer each selected business a $20,000 financial investment, as well as deep immersion, tailored coaching and access to the vibrant coworking communities within State Library Victoria and ACMI X.

State Library Victoria CEO, Kate Torney, said the Library is thrilled to be working with ACMI to deliver a project focused on kickstarting the next generation of creative and cultural businesses.

“Foundry658 is an innovative collaboration with ACMI that will offer unprecedented free access to expertise, facilities and guidance for artists and creative businesses. The Library is committed to helping Victorian entrepreneurs realise their business potential and will open a brand new state-of-the-art coworking area, StartSpace in 2019, as part of the Library’s $88.1 million redevelopment.”

ACMI Director & CEO, Katrina Sedgwick,said, “We are excited to be working with State Library Victoria to offer this program to creative entrepreneurs. As the national museum for film, TV, games, digital culture and art, ACMI supports Victoria’s burgeoning creative industry through our creative tech accelerator ACMI Xcel and our ACMI X coworking space. This new collaboration with our organisations will connect creative practitioners with the best of the business development sector to transform their business ideas and thrive.”

Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, said, “Whether you have an idea that needs shaping, a prototype in testing or a business that is ready to reach a new level, Foundry658 is for you. Ambitious artists and creatives are highly skilled in creative domains but need help to establish and grow successful businesses. I look forward to the many creative ideas that will flourish through this program.”

For more information and to apply for the first Foundry658 bootcamp visit foundry658.com
Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 30 September 2018.

About Foundry658
Foundry658 consists of two programs: a bootcamp and an accelerator. Both are free but the application process is competitive.

Bootcamps - a series of workshops for people with an idea or some experience to test their concept and learn more about what it takes to start a business. Foundry658 will offer up to 50 places (25 per bootcamp) on a tailored three-week bootcamp program. The bootcamp plays a valuable role in preparing teams for the accelerator program and it is generally expected (and highly recommended) that accelerator teams will have successfully completed the bootcamp. Teams may be considered for the accelerator without completing the bootcamp if they demonstrate both suitability and readiness. We strongly encourage all teams interested in the accelerator to apply for the bootcamp.

Accelerator - the accelerator is an intensive, 12-week skills-building program to prepare 10 selected projects for investment and growth. Financial investment of $20,000 per project is offered in addition to mentorship and business coaching.

About ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image)
ACMI is Australia's national museum of film, video games, digital culture and art – situated at the very heart of Melbourne, in Fed Square. The world’s most visited moving image or film museum, ACMI exists to celebrate, support and explore the past, present and future of the moving image through a vibrant calendar of exhibitions, screenings, installations and commissions, festivals, workshops, as well as public and education programs, in Australia and beyond. More at acmi.net.au

About State Library Victoria
Situated in Melbourne’s CBD, State Library Victoria is a thriving cultural hub and the fourth most popular library in the world. Each year, around two million visitors come to enjoy a seasonal calendar of free events and exhibitions, as well as use the Library’s unique collection of more than five million items and access the world’s best knowledge. For more information visit slv.vic.gov.au