Finding spaces for artists to exhibit work in a major city is expensive but one local program has found a way. #FillThisSpace by Activate Perth is connecting creatives with property owners keen to re-imagine empty spaces.
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00:00It's very difficult, as everyone knows, being an artist isn't easy.
00:05Self-taught artist Brayden Harrison is showcasing his work at a prime piece of real estate in
00:10the heart of the city.
00:11I've been wanting to do a gallery ever since I've been pretty young really, like it's always
00:15been a dream and a goal for me to have my own location.
00:18It's a dream he hasn't been able to achieve on his own.
00:21The cost of lease is very difficult as well, so as an artist I'm not making the maximum
00:25amount of money from my work, so it is very hard to be able to find these places.
00:28A good location at a reasonable price is almost unheard of, but Brayden was successful
00:34with the help of a program called Fill the Space.
00:37We play our part by trying to make sure that spaces that are available for tenancy are
00:42occupied and we're creating vibrancy in the city at the same time.
00:45The program connects budding entrepreneurs and creatives with property owners at a time
00:50when vacancy rates are high.
00:52Experts say using existing buildings is increasingly important.
00:56Buildings create enormous amounts of carbon dioxide in their construction and also their
01:01use, but a golden rule these days, if you have a building, you try and reuse it rather
01:07than demolish it and replace it.
01:09The Liberty Theatre is another example of revamping empty spaces, first opening its
01:15doors in 1954, fast becoming the place to be in Perth, hosting film nights until it
01:22closed its doors in the late 90s.
01:24Now this iconic space is being brought back to life through live performances, helping
01:30local artists and rejuvenating the city one space at a time.