The Social Studio Celebrates 10 Years With An Art Scarf Fundraiser

From humble beginnings a decade ago, The Social Studio (TSS) has built an incredible social enterprise in Melbourne combining vocational training, fashion retail and a socially inclusive model.

TSS exists to help foster the entrepreneurial spirit of people who have experienced being a refugee via initiatives such as their fashion school, clothing label, retail shop, digital textile print studio and community space.

To celebrate their 10 year anniversary, TSS have announced a seriously talent-packed Art Scarf fundraiser and gala. The scarf collection is available to pre-order from today, and features the work of Ken Done, Beci Orpin, Atong Atem, and Miso – just to name a few!

Written

Miriam McGarry

Renaissance Garden by Romance Was Born x Kate Rohde. Image courtesy of The Social Studio.

Sketchbook Collage by Beci Orpin. Image courtesy of The Social Studio.

Fruit Of The Earth by Atong Atem. Image courtesy of The Social Studio.

Life Of A Bull Under The Moonlight by Evi O. Image courtesy of The Social Studio.

Michael Mitsas’ design for The Social Studio Art Scarf Fundraiser. Image courtesy of The Social Studio.

Under The Sea by Ken Done. Image courtesy of The Social Studio.

Coming From The Block by Olana Janfa. Image courtesy of The Social Studio.

The Awakening by Nathalia Suizu. Image courtesy of The Social Studio.

Internal Audit/What’s Your Name, It’s a Symbol, Don’t Talk by Gian Manik. Image courtesy of The Social Studio.

Calais ‘Jungle’ Terrazzo VII by Miso. Image courtesy of The Social Studio.

Writer

Miriam McGarry

14th of November 2019

The Social Studio are celebrating 10 years of their grassroots social enterprise in the most fitting fashion (pardon the pun) – a bright and brilliant Art Scarf collection!

TSS have worked with 10 established and emerging artists to create a limited run of silk scarves (25 per artist, so act smart!), printed by Sydney based digital printers Think Positive Prints. Take your pick between the stunning designs of Ken Done, Romance Was Born X Kate Rohde, Beci Orpin, Miso/Stanislava Pinchuk, Atong Atem, Gian Manik, Michael Mitsas, Nathalia Suizi, Olana Janfa and Evi O.

In addition to this line of silk scarves, TSS are also hosting their annual fundraising gala at the Arts Centre Melbourne on December 5. Prepare for a night of delicious food, drinks from Innocent Bystander, entertainment by local musician Tiana Khasi and slam poet Abe Nouk, and a TSS student runway in partnership with Faint Agency. Journalist and SBS presenter Jan Fran will MC the evening and facilitate the auction of the signed and framed first editions from the Art Scarf collection.

Over the past decade, TSS have supported over 700 people from refugee communities with their training and work programs. In 2020, the beloved organisation will move into the newly developed Collingwood Arts Precinct. This fundraiser will help to support 20 student scholarships in this new space.

TSS founder Dr Grace McQuilten reflects on the success of The Social Studio, saying ‘fashion is a great way to connect with culture and tradition and bring it into contemporary culture. It’s also a vehicle for young people to assert their identity and pride in their cultural background.’ For Aussie art icon Ken Done, The Social Studio captures and celebrates ‘the best of Australia – commitment to creativity and an opportunity for all.’

Show your own commitment to the spirit of entrepreneurship, inclusion and creativity by wrapping a scarf around your neck, tying it in your hair, or hanging it on the wall!

Scarves are available for pre-order from 9am Thursday November 14th here. The Social Studio Fundraising Gala is on Thursday December 5th and are tickets available here.