Details Last Updated: Thursday, 13 May 2021 12:54 Published: Thursday, 13 May 2021 12:44

A multimedia, design and marketing agency has seized an opportunity to open a new office and gallery space this month thanks to the assistance of Toowoomba Regional Council’s (TRC) Creative CBD Toowoomba program.

TRC Planning and Development Committee chair Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan said Rare Squid Creative today (May 13) launched a new venture with photographer Theresa Hall in the former Toowoomba GPO. The partnership’s first gallery exhibition will open at 6pm on Friday, May 21 at Suite 3, 138-140 Margaret Street, Toowoomba.

Cr O’Hara Sullivan said the joint venture was the second tenancy in Council’s Creative Toowoomba CBD project following the opening of the pop-up Alexandra Lawson Gallery in Ruthven Street in late 2020. The overall project is the first of its kind in Queensland.

“Council is pleased to help promote business renewal in creative industries across Toowoomba’s CBD,” Cr O’Hara Sullivan said.

“Rare Squid Creative is a Toowoomba-based artistic partnership which will pair its regular marketing services with an artist run initiative (ARI) to host art exhibitions and run creative workshops.

“The owners plan to run a traditional gallery space that will house a retail area showcasing Toowoomba Region designers’ wares, a studio for photography and videography and an area for workshops.

“The business model aligns with the Creative CBD Toowoomba program objectives that are designed to help local communities enliven and energise main streets and central business districts by reviving vacant or under-used spaces as creative hubs.

“The Creative CBD initiative is one way we can encourage new enterprises to the CBD and promote greater diversity and business activity in the city centre.”

TRC Planning and Development Committee portfolio leader Cr Bill Cahill said Council was committed to supporting and investing in the growth of the Toowoomba CBD.

“Council is an affiliate member of Renew Australia, which is a not-for-profit social enterprise that provides support and resources to transform vacant spaces into vibrant businesses.

“Eligible business tenants must complement, not compete with surrounding businesses. New programs are developed and customised to suit the needs of property owners and prospective tenants.

“The program opens opportunities for landowners or property agents to increase the visibility of vacant properties to potential commercial tenants or purchasers while it is occupied by an emerging business.

“Introducing lively, new enterprises keeps foot traffic in the business areas, provides employment and aids overall business confidence.

“New enterprises are attracted by the opportunity to dip a toe in the water without needing significant upfront funds or the uncertainty of signing up to long-term commitments.”

Rare Squid Creative co-owner Paddy Long said the project would boost the firm’s networking potential with more collaboration between artists, consumers and businesses.

“A prominent position in the CBD will provide us with high visibility and recognition, which is important to a business with a heavy focus on visual aesthetics. This position will enable us to increase the diversity of our income, making our business more resilient to economic changes,” Mr Long said.

The venture will be open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm, every second Saturday from 2pm to 10pm and by appointment.

Residents or property owners who are interested in participating in the trial are encouraged to complete an Expression of Interest form by visiting, www.tr.qld.gov.au/creativeCBD 

Enquiries can be directed to 131 872, www.tr.qld.gov.au/creativeCBD or email [email protected] 

Caption: Rare Squid Creative co-owners Joshua Willson (left) and Paddy Long in the new creative and exhibition space with TRC Planning and Development Committee chair Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan ahead of the opening exhibition, Fresh Meat on May 21. The exhibition is being run in conjunction with First Coat.

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