New Space | New Collective process

Kia ora all,

Here’s the plan so far! This plan has been discussed at in-person meetings (minutes are in other threads), but we’re fully aware that not everyone was able to attend! If you’d like to chat more about this plan please do comment or flick @kassiehartendorp or I a line.

NEW SPACE:

As of our last two meetings, we have enough interest and enthusiasm to push on with taking over the lease for the upstairs space.

This space is amazing and full of potential. It is also very different to the downstairs space in a number of big ways, which may mean that it is open to new and different purposes, and less appropriate for some of the groups who have been using the downstairs space up to this point.

Therefore, rather than using the upstairs space as a continuation of the 17 Tory Street Open Source Community Gallery, we will work to form a new collective to shape the upstairs space with its own kaupapa and purpose. Of course we hope to utilise the connections and spirit of 17 Tory, and to work with as many of the spaces’ current groups and volunteers as possible, while inviting new energy from other community members who may have dreams and ideas for this different space.

NEXT STEPS:

We will be sharing our intentions very loudly at the closing celebration this Sunday, and holding two more open-nights for the upstairs space to give more chances for people to check it out and express their interest in joining a new collective and/or utilising that space.

We propose holding viewings of the upstairs space on:

TUESDAY the 13th at 5.30 – 6.30pm.
FRIDAY the 16th from 3 – 4pm.

Kassie and Kathleen are happy to be present at these times, to take names and talk to anyone interested about their dreams and how we might work together.

At the end of that week, we will begin to organise a hui for all of the groups and individuals interested in forming a new collective.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU:

In the short term, it means that we cannot accept any requests to use the upstairs space yet, as we need to give time for the new collective to form. If you are currently liaising with any groups or projects, please let them know that we hope to be able to respond more meaningfully to their request in ~ 1 month.

This new space has such a mix of rooms and facilities – bathrooms, a kitchen, multiple offices and self-contained spaces as well as large group spaces, potentially even cinema and exhibition spaces. Its use depends on us.

The new collective will be operating separately from this Loomio group. If you would like to continue to be involved in this beautiful community space (and we hope you will!!!), please comment here, so we have a snapshot of who is keen from this group to help out with the new space.

We want to form a strong collective of people who are committed to keeping the space running. This could mean giving a hand with admin or finances, helping us clean, decorate and care for the space, liaising with community and managing bookings, etc.

We would love to see your irl faces and to start this work from the ground up.

Ngā mihi nui I am so excited for this new journey.