Following the success of Hackney House last year - BL-NK, an exceptional semi-permanent space will become the stage for Hackney to continue celebrating and supporting what is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting creative, cultural, commercial and technological clusters in Europe, if not the world.

BL-NK a unique, 3,200 Sq Ft mixed purpose urban-space, opening its doors in July 2013 for 12 months, will play host to a series of themed events throughout the year, including tech, creative, fashion, development & investment exhibitions & conferences.
BL-NK will:
Help SMEs develop and share business ideas, present them to a wider audience, network with established influencers and access the cream of the creative talent in Shoreditch.
Act as a hub for new investment to Hackney & East London and to support local businesses with their plans for growth

Transform into a periodic digital art gallery, showcasing work with close ties to the area that uses technology as its intrinsic material

What we'll deliver:

• Deliver a series of exhibition, presentations and seminars to support local businesses
• Secure the one year lease of a warehouse in East Road
• Pay the overhead costs of the commercial space
• Provide a gallery space for local digital artists to present their work
• Provide an affordable space for local SMEs and start-up companies to present their businesses to a global market
• Provide free usage of the exhibition and conference space to local not-for-profit organisations

Why it's a great idea:

Hackney has evolved and developed dramatically over the last ten years and we recognise that it will continue to do so. The welfare of the whole community is founded on a stable commercial footing where residents are confident that there are long term employment opportunities. The greatest opportunity for employment growth is through supporting new and developing businesses so that they can grow into the next international corporations.
BL-NK offers these businesses a platform to develop their products, network with investors and communicate their message to a global audience.
Not to mention that this is all being achieved by making the most of a valuable building that would otherwise lie derelict until it’s developed later in 2014/15
This innovative project combines local business development with the practical use of empty commercial space while engaging with the creative talent of some of our key industries. The long term benefits for local businesses and employment are immense.

Steps to get it done:

• Promote events and businesses through multi media streams
• Secure technology infrastructure through major company doners
• Develop the site working with local trades
• Source digital artistic content through local creative talent
• Work in partnership with creative companies to deliver an exceptional programme of events

Funding of this project is equally innovative. The core project funding has been sourced through corporate sponsorship and public sector funding and we are now asking you to help us crowd-fund the balance to ensure we can fully deliver on our project objectives.

While we would be delighted to receive all offers of support we have created two special tiers for individuals and businesses:

Become a Friend of BL-NK from £100

Your name on the website wall of friendship
Invitations to attend all of the events run by Hackney House @ BL-NK
10% discount on all space hire and café purchases
Free entry into gallery exhibitions and use of the networking café

Become a Corporate Patron of BL-NK FROM £1,500

Credit and logo on BL-NK website
Your company name on the venue wall of patrons
5 invitations to Hackney House run events @ BL-NK
15% discount on all space hire and café purchases on presentation of Patrons’ card
Free entry into gallery exhibitions and use of the networking café