The sudden closing of The Knoll Studio was a crushing blow for owner Ryan Gittoes but after eight months, he’s thrilled to announce the opening of a new creative arts studio.
The Knoll Studio 2.0, as Ryan likes to refer to it, will reopen with a focus on providing practical skills for people with a unique ability to allow them to enter the workforce.
He said alongside the practical skills, NDIS participants will naturally develop personal and social skills and community engagement through tangible project-based support.
“We have a team of people who can support and cross-pollinate with other creatives to bring value to the world,” he explained.
The Knoll Studio supports about eight participants, but Ryan is hoping to expand the program with other support workers who have come on board to offer their skills.
“We want this place to be pumping. We want it to be a hive of activity developing opportunities for people to be able to earn money,” he said.
“We create a magical space where they don’t even realise they are developing.”
Ryan is passionate about what The Knoll Studio will now be able to offer to participants, their families and the wider community.
“It’s pretty exciting. The vision is that through my work with people with unique abilities we are using the creative arts and project-based support to build capacity,” Ryan explained.
“Many people on the spectrum are creative. We start with looking at what their interests are and developing real world skills and alongside that a sense of purpose and engaging with the community.
“They can then gain employment through the skills. The bridge to employment can feel monumental.”
Ryan said he would love the community to support the studio with any photo or video projects they need done or if someone has an NDIS program who is feeling stuck to reach out.
He will still also be offering his photography and videography services to the public.
“This is a place for community. If you have a creative project in mind, you are welcome to come in and explore it,” he said.
The Knoll Studio will officially open on Friday May 22 from 3-7pm and everyone is welcome to come in and say hello and explore the new space located between the IGA and newsagents.
On June 20, from 11am to 3pm, the studio will be opening specially for NDIS participants, families and coordinators to visit and see how they can be part of the programs on offer.
