I always love discovering new neighbourhoods in my home town of Melbourne, exploring a new hood is like going on a mini adventure. Recently I took the number 11 tram to its very last stop at Victoria Harbour to check out the new pop-up creative hub, Knowledge Market.
‘Brought to you by Knowledge Market’
The Docklands precinct seems to have been under construction for, well, forever! But things are blossoming down at Victoria Harbour with gorgeous open spaces, fun playgrounds, stunning views, and a world class library – Library at The Dock. Now with Knowledge Market rounding off the community offering, it’s certainly going to be worth catching the tram to the ‘end of the line’ on a regular basis.
Knowledge Market is designed as a community learning hub which is open to everyone, and offers classes 7 days a week. It’s a unique space where people from all walks of life are encouraged to collaborate and share ideas, talent and experiences. With an emphasis on peer-to-peer learning, you’ll find some truly inspirational and unconventional mentors and facilitators whose workshops and events span all areas across food, culture, art and education.
I love to learn new skills so couldn’t wait to check out a taste of some of the classes on offer. The media preview event I attended offered a selection of mini workshops and classes, which represent some of the future Knowledge Market offerings. I’ve been wanting to try a hula hooping class for ages so when I saw that ‘Hoop Sparx’ was offering a class, I jumped at the chance to ‘get my hoop on!’
If you thought hula hooping was fun when you were a kid, you should try it as an adult. It’s quite the workout and takes a ton of co-ordination, but the best thing about it is, you’ll be laughing so hard you won’t even realise you’re working up a sweat. My kind of exercise!
I also tried my hand at lettering and enjoyed some tasty treats from Saluministi, the neighbouring Italian cafe and Paninoteca, who also run salami making workshops. There is really something on offer for everyone.
Some of the classes which are scheduled to start running soon include: terrarium making, learn to DJ, creative problem solving, social media and communication, dance, writing and communication… the list goes on and on. In fact, they are on the lookout for more people to teach interesting skills, maybe you have something to offer? The space is available at low cost (or in some cases free), so inquire on the website if you are keen to share your wisdom.
A lovely touch was the Piano Lounge, a piano which was free for anyone who wants to play, and the book corner, perfect for story time or play groups.
If you head down, pop into Kelly Cube next door and pick up a healthy, ready to cook meal in a box full of homegrown ingredients straight from local farmers and producers.
Knowledge Market officially opened its doors on 18 July and invites local workers, residents and visitors to forget their inhibitions and take part in a huge range of activities on offer over the next 12 months. Pop over to their website to check current workshop listings.
Knowledge Market
Shop 8-10, 892 Bourke Street, Docklands
Adjacent Library at The Dock
