Impact
Since 2009 it's been our mission to create sustainable futures, not just for refugees and new migrants but for local communities and our planet. We do this through our award-winning education, training and ethical production methods.
participants in education and training programs
tonnes of textile waste diverted from landfill
hours of free, accredited training delivered per student each year
Our mission
We use sustainable fashion practice and creative expression to empower refugee, asylum seeking and new migrant communities with the skills, confidence and networks they need to design their own futures.
education
We believe everyone has a right to culturally-safe education. Our model acknowledges that students from refugee, asylum seeking and new migrant backgrounds can benefit from hands-on learning in small groups, where language, cultural and psycho-social needs can be better supported.
production
Our Ethical Clothing Australia-accredited manufacturing team works out of our Collingwood studio. We provide employment and paid work experience for select Cert III alumni, and we also prioritise manufacturing for First Nations, emerging and small brands to support the local fashion ecosystem.
retail
We champion work by First Nations and culturally diverse creators in our shop, alongside our own in-house brand. Our collections exclusively use deadstock or donated fabrics and we estimate we have diverted more than 20 tonnes of textile waste from landfill through our sustainable design and mending practices.
community
We produce rich, immersive creative projects focused on cultural heritage and storytelling through fashion and textiles. These projects have spanned craftforms such as traditional Afghan embroidery, reimagined vintage Indian saris, soft sculpture, weaving and screen printing.
“It’s the best experience I’ve ever had in my life. It’s my second home.”
— Mariamo, class of '22
The Social Studio gratefully acknowledges our major philanthropic partners, whose funding is vital to our work.
Inner North Community Foundation, William Buckland Foundation, Australian Communities Foundation, Scanlon Foundation, Brian M Davis Charitable Foundation, Pressroom Philanthropy, The Hansen Little Foundation, CCI, the late Christopher Baker via The Social Studio fund and the Baker Foundation.
We would also like to thank our education and government partners RMIT, Creative Victoria, Creative Australia and the Department of Home Affairs.
Come visit us
Collingwood yards
Studio (Appointment only)
Unit 101
30 Perry Street
Collingwood VIC 3066Shop
Unit 6
30 Perry Street
Collingwood VIC 3066Email us
For donations, sponsors, media, and general enquiries:
info@thesocialstudio.org
For product services: manufacturing@thesocialstudio.orgFor our school:
school@thesocialstudio.org
For our shop and fashion label: retail@thesocialstudio.orgGive us a call
Dial the Collingwood studio on 03 9417 2143 Monday–Friday 9am–5pm
Alternatively, DM us on Instagram