Victoria launches start-up program before Creative State Summit

The Victorian government has announced a new business development program to kickstart the next generation of creative and cultural businesses.

Foundry658, to launch next month, is an accelerator program to help emerging creative entrepreneurs, organisations and collectives turn their ideas into viable businesses.

These will cover arts and culture, film and television, media, publishing, fashion, digital games and design.

Each recipient will receive $20,000 in seed money and mentoring support.

Participants get tips on how to develop a feasible business plan and strategy, refine their pitch, approach potential investors, and test or demonstrate their idea to future customers.

Led by State Library Victoria and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, the multifaceted program will include an annual regional roadshow, bootcamps to help entrepreneurs and artists develop their business ideas, and an intensive three-month accelerator program for 10 high-potential creative startups.

Minister for creative industries Martin Foley, explained, “When we were developing the Creative State strategy, access to tailored business development advice and support was identified as a top priority for Victorian creatives.

“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.”

The program’s announcement is timed with the Creative State Summit, held June 15 and 15 at Melbourne Museum, and with a mission “to delve into dangerous ideas.”

Topics cover “how far is too far” for artistic expression (including legal boundaries), creative industries using power for good, sabotaging the “exclusion” factor in the arts, how the arts can build up regional areas, and whether Melbourne should be a 24-hour city.

Speakers are from Arts Centre Melbourne, Fringe Festival, Law, Justice Connect, Arts Access Victoria, Artlands, Theatre Network Australia, TimeOut Australia and Deakin University, among others.

International speakers include Ghost & Jenkins from HK Urbex; Aaron Foley, Detroit’s storyteller in residence; Australian-born, UK-based actor, dancer and disability campaigner Kiruna Stamell; Museum Hack founder Nick Gray; and creative director of Google Creative Lab, Tea Uglow.