It just so happened that creativity is usually considered a frivolous matter. No, of course, as an exciting pastime or leisure, it is the very thing, only, for the most part, it is rarely taken seriously. Although, by the way, without a creative approach, even rocket science would have long ago issued its last squeak, but so far nothing, it is still holding on. Yes, and what to hide, without creativity there would be no progress. That is why creative spaces are not just a hobby, but an important social and social necessity.
What is this?
Creative or creative space is a territory where anyone can come to engage in creative activities, somehow express themselves and communicate with the same creative personalities. Simon Evans, curator of the Creative Cities program, says that these are communities of creative entrepreneurs who interact with each other oncertain territory.
The main feature of the creative space is that everything in it is aimed at a person, not as a consumer or an employee of an organization, but as a person who can create something unique. By the way, such creative spaces are considered one of the so-called third places (home is first, work is second).
Creative spaces are created in the city in order to provide the younger generation with a creative environment, various opportunities for learning or a place for self-study. Here there is a mutually beneficial exchange of skills, you can conduct experiments or realize your own vision of the world.
Main Features
The first and main purpose of the creative space is to provide a territory in which representatives of creative professions can freely operate, which are becoming more and more year by year. In exchange, these spaces get the opportunity to broadcast or popularize the product born on their territory. Plus, the new creative space means new jobs in the city or suburbs.
If there are some non-standard features of the organization of work, then such a territory can serve as a real office center. For example, if members of the organization are engaged in interior design or landscape design, then why not. In such a territory it is much more pleasant to sign contracts. After all, there are usually several recreational areas here, and communication will be moreinformal.
Also, creative spaces can perform a recreational and educational function, be a venue for various cultural events.
Varieties
There are several varieties of creative spaces. These include:
- Coworking spaces. In a broad sense, this is an approach to the organization of labor, in which people with different types of employment interact in the same territory.
- Art centers. A functional community center dedicated to encouraging the practice of the arts and offering various services. Beginning artists have a place to exhibit their paintings and receive competent feedback on their work.
- Art quarters, centers of contemporary art.
Usually, such spaces are placed in those buildings that have not been used for their original purpose for a long time, however, which have been brought back to life. As a rule, such sites are former industrial buildings that perform a new function, but at the same time retain their architectural appearance.
What's the problem?
Creating space for creative youth in the library is a relatively new activity that aims to attract young and creative visitors. Creative spaces usually function in big cities, but in small towns, creative guys gather in the local library. This is mainly due to the lack of funding, and even such ideas have low investment attractiveness.
Therefore, if a creative space is created, it is most likely a temporary stage in the use of a certain territory. So, interest in some structure increases, and after that it changes its functions again.
Investments
The main source of income here is rent payments. In addition, creative spaces are usually located in former industrial buildings at a time when the cost of rent is still low, but when fees rise, then the organization has to look for a new location.
As for investors, they provide territories for creative space until a better offer appears on the horizon. Strictly speaking, this is why the residents of the creative space and landlords are in conflict. For example, in 2013 in St. Petersburg, with a loud scandal, the Quarter space, which was located in the Pirogov mansion, was closed.
Creative spaces in the world
It's easy to guess that creative spaces are developing more actively in prosperous European countries. At the end of the twentieth century, they began to appear like mushrooms after rain. For example, in the UK since 1998 it has been customary to support creative spaces at the state level. The most striking examples in Europe are:
- Creative space at the Teafactory loft in London.
- Kaapelitehdas (Helsinki), located in a former cable factory. Also in Helsinki there is Korjaamo space, which is housed in a former tram depot.
- Melkweg Cultural Center (Amsterdam),located in an abandoned dairy.
- Superstudio (Milan).
If we talk about Russia, then creative spaces began to appear only in the 2000s. The first organization (Artplay) appeared in 2005 in Moscow, it was located in the building of the Red Rose (a former weaving factory). In subsequent years, several more such spaces were opened. Some of them quickly exhausted themselves, others changed their place of deployment, and some still function today, however, they move from place to place.
Just don't think that the creative space is a collection of aimlessly living lives of people who huddle in abandoned buildings and pretend to think about the eternal. In some cases, these spaces have long since become profitable corporations.
Symbol
Creative space "Symbol" is a socio-cultural and educational project of the company "Donstroy", it is being implemented specifically as part of the development of the quarter of the complex new building of the same name. People gather here for whom creative and intellectual development is a lifestyle.
In the creative space "Symbol" there is always a cozy and warm atmosphere, young and creative people constantly come there. When the construction is completed, it is this lifestyle that will spread throughout the territory of the Symbol residential complex.
Free master classes, seminars, lectures and presentations are constantly held here. Here it is customary to talk about everything: art, travel, music, history,cooking. Everyone will be able to show and prove themselves. True, no one knows what will happen to Symbol when the complex is completed and residents move in. Perhaps they will leave it that way, but it may also happen that the organization will change its place and name.
In the Tower
This space is located on the territory of St. Petersburg (Soldata Korzun st. 1/2).
The creative space "In the Tower" is somewhat different from the "Symbol". It can be considered such a house of creativity with various circles. The main emphasis is on dance and theatrical art. But, interestingly, "In the Tower" even teach circus art and acrobatics, it is this highlight that attracts residents and guests of the city.
There are sections here like:
- Dance school for children and adults.
- Theatre Studio.
- FINE-Studio.
- English.
- School of the musical.
- Oriental dances.
- Break dance.
- Acrobatics and circus studio etc.
Also, any holiday can be organized here, and those who wish can take several master classes to comprehend the art of creating fun out of nothing.
ARTLIFE
The creative space "Art Life" appeared only a few years ago, but has already achieved amazing success. It is located in Moscow (15 Rochdelskaya str., building 21) and is intended only for those who know how, love and can draw. This space is exclusively for artists. They can exchange experiences, show their work at exhibitions, and even findemployers.
Initially, the space was located only on Rochdelskaya Street, and then gradually migrated to the Internet. Today, on the official website of the space, you can take master classes of interest, see the work of participants and join the community. It is also worth noting that such a move allowed the creative space to reach the international level: people like to watch useful master classes not only in Russia, but also far beyond its borders.
Caviar
This is a union that is absolutely different from the previous ones. Creative space "Ikra" is a modern business cluster, which is located on the banks of the Volga. Many young entrepreneurs from a wide variety of creative industries have united here. Unlike most other spaces, Ikra has comfortable studio offices, a multifunctional conference room, a coffee shop and a tea shop. Plus, a creative and benevolent atmosphere.
This is the first creative space in Volgograd, located in the very center of the city. Ikra includes more than 40 companies that have a fairly modern view of doing business. In general, the company employs 500 people and more and more wish to join every day.
Wednesday
Creative space "Sreda" is a rather young and ambitious project aimed at creating new relationships in the creative segment and beyond. Located on Nevsky Prospekt 35 in the Great Gostiny Dvor.
On the territory of this space there is a store of modern domestic designers, a lecture hall, a sewing workshop, a coffee shop and an exhibition hall.
The main idea of the project is the need for constant development, rethinking of values and going beyond the ordinary and standard experience.
Workshop
The creative space "Workshop" is slightly different in specifics. It is presented not in one, but in four locations. Three organizations are located in Pyatigorsk (Ermolov St., 6; 40 Let Oktyabrya St., 30; Kalinina Ave., 92) and one in Essentuki (Nikolskaya St., 5a). "Tsekh" is an atmospheric and cozy loft that is suitable for the implementation of any creative ideas. Here you can brightly celebrate a birthday, take part in a quest party, attend an animated performance or a children's concert, take many interesting photos in the studio, participate in master classes, etc.
Once a month you can take part in the "Chest" project - an exhibition (and sale) of handicrafts. Every Friday there is a Mafia game, and young ladies can be trained in a school of good manners. In general, the specifics are different, but the most interesting thing is that this creative space appears on demand. For example, if the players gathered for the "Mafia" and paid for the rent of the premises, then they can play for a day.
In fact, the "Workshop" is a room that is rented out, and part-time a haven for temporary meetings of creative people.
How to open your space?
To open your owncreative space, in addition to finances, minimal knowledge is also needed. Here are the main things to know about this case:
- Balance. It is important to understand that the need for such organizations is a big question. Take, for example, artists. They do not like to mix with the crowd, but it is important for them to hear opinions about their work. So you need to keep a balance: people who come to space should not feel like part of a faceless mass, but no one has canceled the feeling of community.
- Interior. In general, you can wave your hand at him. In Europe, authentic spaces without design and gloss are most valued, so it would be nice if the unique atmosphere of the underground is preserved.
- Finance. Sooner or later, an investor will be found, if only the space will promote interesting and unique ideas.
- Art and the state. If possible, it is better to enlist the support of local authorities.
- Advertising. You need to promote yourself, people can't come to a place they don't know anything about.
- Food. Creativity is creativity, and hunger is not an aunt, you should at least take care of a cooler and cups.
- Name. And finally, what is the name of the creative space? It is best to choose a name that will be associated with the location (for example, the already mentioned “Symbol”) or the main activity (“Art Life”). Of course, you can choose something thoughtfully neutral, like "Caviar". The main thing is that the name should be sonorous and memorable.
Creativity is its own special world and there is no place for cynical pragmatists in it.
