Get To Know… The Mill
No matter the medium, no matter the genre, The Mill offers a place to collaborate and connect.
Words Timothea Moylan // Image Morgan Sett
The Mill has been a buzzing hive of creative activity for a decade. “Our studios and exhibition spaces are home to everyone from ceramicists and furniture makers to photographers, graphic designers and milliners,” explains general manager Tim Watts.
“We’ve created a space for artists to work and develop sustainable careers in Adelaide.”
The Mill’s point of difference is its focus on multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary practice – the tangle of ideas generated by having a diverse range of artists sharing the space. “When our artists cross over with those from different disciplines, they get a chance to experiment, expand their practice and learn something new,” says Tim. He shares an example of a lamp-maker who collaborated with ten other studio artists – including one who created a silk painting for the shade and another who fashioned a hat stand for the display of the artwork.
“This sort of collaboration is actively encouraged, and it’s wonderful to see artists work on projects they otherwise mightn’t have been exposed to.”
Originally founded by visual artist Amber Cronin and dancer Erin Fowler, The Mill began in response to the “creative drain” that Adelaide was experiencing in the early 2010s. “People were graduating from arts institutions and feeling they needed to move to the east coast to get work,” Tim says. “Amber and Erin hoped to address this in a visible, physical way by starting a studio.”
With a footprint that’s now more than double the original space, The Mill has continued to grow and carve out a niche for itself. “We’ve come to better understand what we do really well – our physical venue and close artist community are our greatest assets,” says Tim. “We have an intimate relationship with our studio artists, and we understand their practices, the challenges they face and we work to help overcome those. It’s like a big sharehouse – it’s really lovely.”
But Tim sees The Mill’s community as including the broader arts community – those who participate in residencies, workshops or masterclasses. “We’ll see an artist test or trial an idea at The Mill, and then a couple of years later we might see the next iteration of that show pop up. It’s really exciting.”
Of course the audience is also part of this community – the people who attend exhibitions or events. “We’re always trying to grow this,” Tim explains. “We strive to make the process of art-making more accessible. When they come to The Mill they can not only see beautiful work, but also get an understanding of the process that led to it – whether it’s through a Q&A or by attending a masterclass run by an artist in residence.”
Tim shares that the goal is for The Mill to contribute to a more sustainable arts and cultural sector. “One of the ways that we can do this is by increasing the perceived value of art. If our audiences have opportunity to talk to the artist, learn about the process or see work in development, then their perceived value of that work will increase. This leads to a more sustainable career for the artist.”
So, what’s next for The Mill? The team are keeping busy with an upcoming program that includes a partnership with QLD-based contemporary dance organisation BlakDance – part of The Mill’s mission to amplify First Nations voices – and their genre-pushing Centre Stage Residency, delivered with Adelaide Fringe.
Tim is also keen for audiences to understand that despite the local rumour mill (pun intended), the organisation isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. “While we will have to relocate at some point due to redevelopment, we’re confident The Mill will remain active in Angas Street until 2026. We’re exploring options for a new venue.”
In the meantime, Tim urges Adelaide audiences to get out there and explore the arts outside of festival season. “Come see a show, be a body in a space, meet an artist, sponsor a studio or join the donor circle,” he suggests with a smile. “We run a program year-round, so there’s something you can interact with at least once a month.
“By coming along, you’re supporting the next phase of the arts industry.”
Find The Mill at 154 Angas Street. Keep up to date with them online.
