School kids need lunch money

The studio of Elizabeth Barnett, co-founder of Schoolhouse Studios. photo: The Design Files

As you are well aware, we usually keep things pretty shop-oriented here on the blog, mainly because we get so excited about all the lovely things arriving and we want to share them with you. But we also know how important it is to support artists and creatives working within our community of Melbourne. We love to stock lots of Australian made products from independent makers, and a lot of these makers rely on having a supportive community around them, and most importantly, a studio from which to work.

The incredible folk from Schoolhouse Studios in Abbotsford have recently had to shut their doors after two years in the old Sophia Mundi Steiner School. All of the spaces in the grounds were put to use, from old classrooms, science labs and a chapel, to the basketball court and the orchard and vegie garden. The collaborative community that grew out of Schoolhouse Studios was truly something special, and I for one, felt very sad to say goodbye. Although I won't be moving in to the new site, I know how important it is to keep these spaces available and accessible for artists (ie. affordable!). With a new site secured, energies are now being focussed on raising enough money to convert an old warehouse in Collingwood into a new home for the Schoolhouse gang. Working with the Molonglo group to develop a space that will encourage community interaction and create a space for shared ideas, projects and events.

Jewellery designer Marni Kornhauser's studio. photo: The Design Files

With a Pozible campaign in the works, Schoolhouse studios are half way towards their goal of $50,000. If the goal amount isn't reached, they receive nothing. All donations will be greatly appreciated and will receive a 'thank-you' from the team at Schoolhouse. These thank-you rewards range from tickets to future events, to artwork or even a song written in your honour!

Check out the excellent feature from Lucy Feagins of The Design Files, with lots more photos of the beautiful spaces and an insight into the work that went into building this community from the ground up. This little post really does not do justice to the amazing work coming out of Schoolhouse Studios, so it is worth checking out their website too.

The Pozible campaign can be viewed here. If you're not able to pledge to the campaign, just sharing this with friends and family you think may be interested can also make a huge difference.

credit: all photos via The Design Files

Schoolhouse Studios communal kitchen. photo: The Design Files

Steller Atelier architecture studio. photo: The Design Files