Case Study: Rabbit + Cocoon

Through our multi-arts hub, we support the careers of artists by providing creative spaces for artistic production, exhibitions, retail and special events.

We support professional development opportunities for local and visiting artists through the hosting of workshops, networking events and special projects. We also initiate and encourage partnerships with individuals and other creative initiatives, businesses and arts bodies. Our hub is currently open to the general public.

Where and When did the project take place?
rabbit+cocoon is an on-going, space-based initiative. Therefore events and collaborative projects take place regularly. The hub is centrally located at 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami, Gold Coast.

What Partnerships were formed and what Funding (if any) was received?

Funding:
The Directors received funding from the Regional Arts Development Fund towards establishing a business strategy and brand identity.

Partnerships:
rabbit+cocoon have received pro-bono legal advice on public liability and governance through a Brisbane lawyer. This was part of the adviceBank service provided by Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF)

Gold Coast Music Industry Association is currently receiving assistance from Gold Coast City Council to lease a studio for emerging musicians to rehearse in, as well as provide a headquarters for the GCMIA board.

rabbit+cocoon staged a Sneak Preview event in May 2011 to spread the word about the initiative. The art, fashion and musical extravaganza saw the directors collaborate with several initiatives, mainly: Flat White Spaces, Lmtd Spaces, Love Street, One Palm Media and Gold Coast Music Industry Association.

For this event rabbit+cocoon also received equipment and printing sponsorship from Griffith University, Gold Coast.

Outcomes & Next Steps
How did you achieve this / what were some of the processes?

Period between May 2010–July 2011:

• Directors established the initiative, and formed an alliance with the property developer.
• Received RADF funding towards setting up the initiative, employing a consultant to assist with business strategy and employing a graphic design company to design our brand identity.
• Registered rabbit+cocoon pty ltd as a Business name.
• Received Not-for-Profit Incorporation Association status.
• Aims, policies and procedures document completed.
• Studio hire terms and reference document completed.
• Brand identity and logos completed.
• Awaiting Public liability approval.
• Board established with President, Secretary, Treasurer and five ordinary members.
• Setting up of NFP bank account.
• Open days held – attended by 50 people.
• Sneak Preview held – attended by 400+ people.
• Spaces fully leased, with remainder to turn into multi-use venues for special events, exhibitions and performance spaces
   

What was the final outcome?
The establishment and operation of a multi-arts precinct that provides artists and collectives with creative spaces and resources.

What worked well:

• Production of new work by the resident artists.
• Receiving funding assistance.
• Events and one-off projects being held at the space (workshops, launches etc.) that have received immense community support from both arts and non-arts audiences.
• The on-site café, which attracts wider audiences to the multi-arts hub.
• Enlisting a board to assist with the overall structure, progress and activities held at the multi-arts hub.
• Received media exposure from Gold Coast Bulletin, Gold Coast Sun and Daily News, Tweed
   

Tips:
Love what you do, and you will remain inspired.  Also, teamwork, cooperation, and regular communication needs to be practiced when operating a large-scale project that involves various individuals and collectives.

What is the next step for this project? ie repeat again next year/ongoing project
This is an ongoing project.

Next Steps

• Event and Space Hire document
• Miami Marketta – arts and crafts markets, and fresh food and produce markets (monthly)
• Apply for funding to recruit Project Manager
• Enlist regular volunteers
   

Web
www.facebook.com/rabbitandcocoon
www.rabbitandcocoon.com/