More about Shopfront Arts Co-op ↓
Shopfront is a youth-led arts co-operative focusing on developing young people’s creativity, confidence and communication. The co-op provides space where they come together to learn, share and bring their imaginations to life.
Shopfront believes all young people have a right to expression – no matter their background or ability. That finding their voice and ensuring it is heard is crucial to them, as it is to Australia’s cultural landscape. This belief is intrinsic to the Shopfront process of creation.
Young people gain skills in artistic leadership and community building, becoming the next generation of creative content makers and community leaders.
Shopfront is known for their daring, adventurous and socially relevant work with young people across Australia and internationally. They are the only dedicated youth-led arts organisation in the Southern Sydney and Illawarra region.
Sefa's support ↓
Sefa collaborated with Shopfront for over three years to structure a funding solution for their building project. The project will expand their capacity to deliver core programs and provide access to supplementary trading revenue (office rental and venue hire). This will reduce reliance on grant funding and bolster financial sustainability.
The construction and short term project contingency debt facilities Sefa offered, played an instrumental role in this blended transaction. Unlocking $1,318k of impact capital including $350k of philanthropic capital from VFFF and $968k of government and club infrastructure grants, a number of which require matched funding. Sefa introduced VFFF to the transaction who approved grants contingent on Sefa loan approval and Shopfront raising $150k.
Impact achieved ↓
Shopfront will be able to support an extra 1,160 participants, grow annual audiences by 140% and co-locate with six arts/community organisations in the first year post-renovation.
Six additional offices and a new large rehearsal/performance space will generate supplementary rental income, reducing dependence on government funding. The renovated premises will establish a much-needed cultural hub for the region.
