Julia Street Creative Space (JSCS) is Portland’s community arts complex. Founded in 1995 in a series of refurbished heritage buildings by local artists and advocates, it aims to accommodate, encourage and support a broad range of visual arts practices. Run by a volunteer Committee of Management and leased rent-free from Council, the facility has studios, purpose-built for art, lead lighting, woodturning, print-making, screen printing and textiles; two galleries for display and exhibition; a retail outlet; artist accommodation; and an all-purpose studio. The retail outlet is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday 10am to 1pm and is staffed by volunteers.
There are currently five resident studio groups – Lead lighters Guild, Wood turners Guild, Portland Artist Society, Portland Pioneer Quilters, Portland Bay Press – a number of other groups (Fibre Group, Screen printers) are in recess. All studios house professional-standard equipment and group members can access the workshops and studios in a supportive learning environment. Some groups meet weekly, others access on an individual needs basis. There are 80 members of the resident studio groups, 11 volunteers of Committee of Management, 10 retail volunteers and one paid book keeper (5 hours per week).
Glenelg Shire Council also offers artist-led workshops in the facility as a part of the Council Arts Program which engages with individuals of diverse age and abilities. Together we offer 20 workshops per semester in a variety of spaces in the complex. These ongoing workshops provide up to 150 participants to engage with six local artists throughout the semester program.
JSCS supports an ongoing artist residency program through the Portland Artist Residency Program utilizing the apartment space in the complex. Emerging and mid-career artists are able to have a short residency in a regional setting and access to a unique arts facility. Artists from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide frequent the residency and the adjacent print studio is another drawcard for printmakers. The residency program engages with community through the free residency events. Artist talks give locals the opportunity to engage with professional practicing artists. Numerous collaborations have grown from the artist in residence networking opportunities.
JSCS community partnerships support art programs and projects with Kyeema Disability Support Services, Bayview College, Rotary Club of Portland Bay and the Portland Young Professional Network for exhibitions and retail space access. An ongoing relationship with Rotary Club of Portland Bay provides accommodation for the Upwelling Festival resident artist and project space for meetings.
Ongoing exhibitions throughout the year. Upwelling Festival focussed exhibitions in October.
Arts & Entertainment (music, dance, creative workshops etc)
Accommodation, Hall/s and Meeting Rooms
Yes
Ongoing Role
Glenelg