Collective Closets join Collingwood Yards
Announcing our 2022 Bank of Melbourne Residency recipients
Bank of Melbourne and Collingwood Yards have today announced the recipient of the third Bank of Melbourne Collingwood Yards Residency, a program created in partnership between the two organisations. A $30,000 package of support for a start-up creative enterprise consisting of a large studio space in the refurbished Johnston Street building, a $10,000 Bank of Melbourne bank account and professional development opportunities has been awarded to sister duo, Fatuma and Laurinda Ndenzako of slow fashion label, Collective Closets.
Collective Closets was the unanimous choice of the Judging Panel, consisting of four representatives from the Bank of Melbourne, Collingwood Yards and the creative industries. The Judging Panel also included previous Bank of Melbourne Collingwood Resident, artist Kate Beynon and Broadsheet Editorial Director Katya Wachtel.
Sophie Travers, C.E.O of Collingwood Yards, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Collective Closets to Collingwood Yards. Their strong sense of community, collaboration and storytelling is a valuable and exciting addition to our evolving precinct.”
The sisters, who started their label in 2016 are looking forward to exploring ideas that have been in the works since the beginning – such as a Collective Conversation podcast, collaborations with other brands and workshops. Their designs are informed by a mission to connect the Australian market with the rich history and culture of Africa. “Our fabrics are created by artisans who choose to preserve traditional production techniques.”
“Moving to Collingwood Yards is a fresh start, a new home, a special place for this transformative phase of our business,” said Collective Closets.
This year’s Residency call-out attracted over 150 applications across a wide variety of disciplines and depth of experience, testament to the strength of Melbourne’s creative scene.
State General Manager, Westpac and Bank of Melbourne, Anna Macliesh, said: “We’re thrilled to continue to support the arts in our community and reinforce Melbourne’s position as the nation’s cultural capital. We’re looking forward to seeing Collingwood Yards and Collective Closets thrive in the coming year”.
