The Community Hub and Creative Studio - the two-storey structure featured on right with yellow external facade
Sustainable Housing for Artists and Creatives
The SHAC Co-operative is thrilled to be creating a new and exciting model of housing for artists and creatives in Fremantle in response to the current lack of affordable dwellings. The innovative and affordable housing development will be the first Western Australian housing co-operative to be created in more than 15 years and forms part of the internationally recognised One Planet Living Community program, a global initiative based on 10 sustainability principles: zero carbon, zero waste, sustainable transport, local and sustainable materials, local and sustainable food, sustainable water, land use and wildlife, culture and community, equity and local economy, health and happiness.
Situated on the former Kim Beazley School site in White Gum Valley, this housing community for creative locals will comprise 13 dwellings of varying sizes (for singles, couples and families) and a Community Hub and Creative Studio (more information about this below!).
SHAC Founding Member, Community Artist and Puppeteer Karen Hethey - Yoorndoodoo Eagle Mandjar Dreaming Stretch Festival Opening
Who is SHAC?
SHAC's members are committed artists whose practices have entertained and inspired the Fremantle community and beyond, for many years. They are a group of creative individuals with a rich history of contribution to the cultural life of the local community - having worked across the arts with the City of Fremantle and many of the locally based arts organisations, venues and companies to create the festivals, events, exhibitions and live performances that are key to the port city's character and sense of place.
Struggling with the increasing rents and the threat of homelessness, a collective of artists came together and initiated this project in 2008. Since this time members have worked voluntarily and tirelessly to establish affordable housing for artists and creatives which includes a central community hub with creative studios with the purpose of benefiting and enlivening the whole community.
SHAC member and photographer Tim Grant - 'Zoo Hands', photograph
Community Hub and Creative Studio - The Heart of the Community
SHAC believes the livability of any city is dynamically impacted by the contribution of the artists who live and work there. SHAC holds as a core value the intrinsic worth of artists in creating community connectivity wherever they live - Artists as placemakers. Artists are committed to engaging with the world around them - SHAC's artist members have worked with local schools, hospitals, seniors, indigenous, diverse and disadvantaged communities throughout Fremantle, Western Australia and beyond.
The SHAC development will be a model of inclusiveness and diversity in a creative sustainable environment. Central to the Co-op's ethos will be a vibrant and community-driven Community Hub and Creative Studio, a two-storey structure that facilitates both a community access hub on the ground level and open-access studios above. It is envisioned that the community hub will be used by the local people and community groups as a place to meet, connect, share, explore, play, create, design, exhibit ...
The funds raised will be used by SHAC as a deposit to buy the community facility and creative hub. This will ensure that the community hub and creative studio becomes the heart of the White Gum Valley and greater Fremantle community now and for future generations.
Artist impression of the Sustainable Housing for Artists and Creatives development
Further information:
SHAC pitch for FreoMatch funding - Short video of SHAC's community pitch
LandCorp Innovation through Demonstration at White Gum Valley - This short video features a great 3D visual of the SHAC development and it's context and setting within the larger WGV sustainable development.
