The Mill is South Australia’s largest studios precinct and a leading multidisciplinary arts organisation. Located on Angas Street, its site comprises more than 70 studios and creative industry and is home to over 60 artists, makers, designers and creative businesses. The venue combines workspaces with galleries, a performing arts space, photography studio, tools workshop and shared meeting facilities, all contributing to a dynamic street presence in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD.
The Mill delivers a rich, year-round program supporting hundreds of artists through studio access, exhibitions, performances, residencies, masterclasses and professional development opportunities. Its programs connect emerging and established artists with leading practitioners from across Australia and internationally, fostering a vibrant and collaborative creative community.
With 24/7 access for studio residents and a diverse range of creative practices operating simultaneously, reliable, high-capacity internet is essential. The number of users online fluctuates constantly, and artists require the confidence that they can work, upload, share and collaborate at any time without interruption.
The Mill’s relationship with GigCity began in 2018, when it was identified as part of the original group of innovation precincts offered access to the network. Recognising the value of fast, reliable and affordable connectivity, The Mill made the decision to connect. As a not-for-profit arts organisation, initial infrastructure limitations presented challenges. However, through collaboration and targeted upgrades, a fit-for-purpose solution was established. Today, a network of hotspots distributed across the venue ensures strong, consistent connectivity throughout the building, supporting both individual studio practices and shared spaces.
General Manager Tim Watts says, “GigCity allows The Mill to offer our studio residents reliable, comprehensive internet connectivity, to use in ways that best suit their individual practices. Whether they’re ceramists or filmmakers, being connected to a global audience and able to create and share content seamlessly is a huge drawcard for working at The Mill.”
Access to high-speed connectivity has enabled artists to work more efficiently and expand the scope of their practice. From large-scale file transfers and digital production to collaboration with interstate and international partners, connectivity underpins the day-to-day operations of many resident artists and creative businesses.
The Mill continues to evolve its digital capabilities alongside its physical expansion. Recent growth has seen the addition of new studios to meet increasing demand, as well as the ongoing development of programs such as the Photographer in Residence initiative, now in its third year.
Connectivity also plays a key role in supporting hybrid ways of working. With staff and artists often moving between on-site and remote work, a stable and high-performance network ensures seamless communication, collaboration and program delivery. Tim adds, “A capable internet connection allows The Mill to reach a broad audience in a variety of ways; sharing exhibitions, delivering workshops, connecting artists with new opportunities and audiences, and supporting creative collaboration. It gives us the confidence to keep evolving how we work and how we present our programs.”
With the support of GigCity, The Mill continues to strengthen its position as a leading creative hub, providing artists with the infrastructure they need to thrive in an increasingly connected and digital world.
Photo credit: Make Shift opening. Photo by Daniel Marks.
GigCity is a Government of South Australia initiative delivering affordable, high-speed internet to innovation precincts across the state.
Participating businesses experience gigabit speed broadband, enabling greater collaboration between colleagues and easy sharing with clients around the world.
For more information, visit gigcity.com.au.
