Hume’s next generation of artists have received support and investment at Future Minds Network’s Young Artists Centre event on Wednesday 15 October.
Ten artists from Hume were invited to receive help and mentoring to turn their creativity in jewellery, henna and origami into real businesses.
The event was fronted by Future Minds Network chief executive Nathaniel Diong, who worked with the budding artists to improve their marketing and entrepreneurship skills.
“Over a six-week period, participants doubled their income and used their art to earn a buck for the first time, working to create their own jobs and community connections,” Diong said.
The event took place at Craigieburn’s Youth Centre, with the budding young artists presenting their arts and crafts at self-developed market stalls before pitching their ideas to an audience of potential stakeholders, families and friends.
Ziggy Hao, the 27-year-old founder of Floria Touch, transformed real flower petals into delicate handmade jewellery.
“During the six weeks, I definitely learned a lot. I got to understand my customer base better and gained a better, clearer picture of my art as a business,” they said.
Mona El Rahi is a 20-year-old multidisciplinary artist working with henna, line art, painting, design, and murals.
“I established my business through my passion for art and it actually got me into taking up my Bachelor of Design Arts,” El Rahi said.
“It became more of a passion for me after I found out about the mental health and well-being benefits. There’s no cons to it for me.”
The event was topped off with an auctioning of the artists’ hand-picked works, putting their learned skills and business minds on show.
