Business aspirants with creative ideas are set to benefit from an eight-week program of workshops, mentoring and connections with industry leaders.
Applications are open for The Refinery 2021, a unique incubator designed to refine, test and launch creative ideas into sustainable businesses.
Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said The Refinery was in its third year with a range of successful graduates under its belt.
“This creative incubator program makes taking the leap into a new business a little less daunting and the collective success of our 2019 and 2020 participants is impressive,” Cr Baberowski said.
“As examples, we’ve seen Project Fort Awesome now working across festivals, schools and local councils; The Shelter magazine has just launched its first edition; and Clay Society sold out their workshops over Christmas and sent Christmas gifts to hundreds of children living in remote Western Australian indigenous communities.
“The program provides access to mentors and the value of networking with like-minded creatives cannot be underestimated.
“To anyone thinking of applying, this program is an ideal testing ground and development platform for your idea.
“To that end, the application process is designed to be very straightforward. We simply want to know a bit about the applicant’s practice, a one sentence pitch or idea, what stage of development their project is at and what they want to achieve by participating in The Refinery.
Program is expanding
“Now the program has some history we’re hoping to attract an even broader range of creatives across genres including digital, craft, performing and visual arts, architecture and everything in between.
“The Refinery strongly encourages applications from First Nations People and so far has supported three First Nations founders.”
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The Refinery is an initiative of Sunshine Coast Council in partnership with SunCentral Maroochydore and Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance.
Participants will have access to local creative industry leaders who will help them connect the dots between creativity and business.
The program supports independent artists, early-stage entrepreneurs, and creative industry practitioners with an idea ready to go and will culminate in a public showcase to launch participants’ businesses.
Among last year’s participants was Freya Hegarty of creative agency Mopoke Design.
Freya Hegarty is a skilled designer who transforms spaces into temporary landscapes of experience and wonder.
Applications close March 1, 2021. For program details and applications go to www.therefinerysunshinecoast.com/
Follow The Refinery on Facebook and Instagram @therefinery.sc
KEY DATES
Applications Open: Monday, January 18, 2021 at 9am
Applications Close: Monday, March 1, 2021 at midnight
Bootcamp: Saturday, March 20, 2021
The Refinery: Thursdays and Fridays from Thursday, May 6 – Friday, July 2, 2021
Public Showcase: Friday, July 2, 2021
