The Social Studio: Social change through design

About Us

The Social Studio is a community organisation that creates employment and training opportunities for young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds in fashion design, clothing production, retail and hospitality.

Since our establishment in 2009, more than 90 people have participated in programs at The Social Studio, of which:

• 63 people have enrolled in Certificates in Clothing Design and Manufacture (RMIT), Retail or Hospitality (William Angliss), with a 90% retention and completion rate
• 30 people have gained employment at The Social Studio or have transitioned into employment in their field of training.
• 50+ have accessed legal aid, financial counselling, psychological counselling, migration advice and driving tuition

Our 90% retention and completion rate is a result of the flexibility in the way our training is delivered and the intensive relationships that are developed between staff and students. Our programs are highly engaging and many individuals choose to stay involved for long periods of time (12-24 months), until they feel ready to transition into higher education or further employment. We do not have an "exit date" and prefer to work with individuals in a long-term capacity to achieve their goals.

In addition, we run a number of programs alongside our school to support our students in other aspects of their lives, e.g. savings and financial literacy programs, driver education. This holistic approach to our training is fundamental to our fantastic retention rate.

How will the funds be used?

Donations will be used to fund training, purchase equipment, materials and support the Studio as our designers start to create their own original clothing label.

Key Areas of Expenditure

$25 will pay for sewing kits for our designers
$50 will cover the costs of two work experience places for one week
$180 will cover the cost of one student's enrolment fee
$1,000 will sponsor one student's training and material costs for one year
$5,000 will sponsor our next fashion show
$10,000 will sponsor a new apprentice in retail or clothing design
$45,000 will cover our rent for one year
$80,000 will cover our fashion design training for one year
$300,000 will sponsor The Social Studio for one year
$1 million will buy a building for us so that we never have to pay rent!

• Give a one-off donation online
• Give a regular donation online
• Donate by mail
To donate by mail, please download a printable donation form and send through the post to:
11/50 Barkly St
CARLTON VIC 3053
• Leave a bequest
To leave a bequest in your will, please read the wills and bequests page for The Social Studio.