By Ella Bucovaz
Footscray’s favourite community storytelling enterprise is growing, and getting a new home!
“This is the next exciting step for our organisation – a brand new space for children and young people that supports their learning, creative expression and connection,” says 100 Story Building CEO Susan Kukucka.
“Over many years in our ‘100 Story Building’ at 92 Nicholson Street young storytellers came to create and write their own stories inspired by the strange creatures and peculiar happenings on the 99 levels below the trapdoor. Now it’s time to reimagine a new home for the next generation of storymakers.”
For the past decade, 100 Story Building has worked with children and young people to build the literacy skills, confidence and sense of belonging that are fundamental to future success, with an enduring commitment to supporting under-resourced communities.
Based on principles of co-design led by children and young people, the new centre hopes to be a transformative creative space that amplifies young people’s voices and supports them to be the heroes of their own stories. Perhaps the new space will feature another trapdoor, time machine, secret room behind a bookcase or its very own galaxy? No matter what the space includes it will be a visible expression of young people’s imaginations and agency, and the home of a vibrant learning community.
From the new centre, 100 Story Building staff will be able to deliver more programs throughout the year, and encourage more children and young people to participate in free or low-cost creativity, storytelling & other participatory arts & culture experiences.
The extensive upgrades at 206-208 Nicholson St will mean a modern digital studio supported by the Stronger Communities program, vital accessibility improvements, and additional space to cater for larger school groups, and host events and performances.The new facilities will also boost capacity for popular after-school programs supported by The Readings Foundation and VicHealth, and allow for more young people to visit, explore, and create in Melbourne’s West.
100 Story Building is seeking support to not only open the doors but to expand their programs and reach new young people in need of their services. On Thursday 11th of May they are holding an online Giving Day fundraiser. If you would like to pledge your support to this one-of-a-kind centre, you can donate ahead of time here: https://100-story-building.giveeasy.org/100-story-building-giving-day-2023
“This is the best place to express your ideas and imagination through writing and drawing… [100 Story Building] is a safe, supportive environment which provides snacks (yay!) and makes sure you have the best time. The [Facilitator] always includes your ideas and makes sure you are heard. I love this place because I can have the best time doing the things I like.”
After School Program Participant, Age 10
