The idea
Imagine a space that’s full of creative activity, where you always feel welcome, included, safe and part of a community. Where you can have fun, learn new things, see new work, exchange ideas, meet new people, relax with your friends socially, and come away feeling inspired & creatively fulfilled.
For too long, there’s been a lack of central, accessible, affordable & available space for artists, performers & facilitators to workshop & engage with audiences. Recently, the few ‘meanwhile spaces’ that existed pre-pandemic were torn down, making things worse.
We will change that. Permanently. This property is easy to get to (nr Central Station) & though it’s stood empty for years, with your help, we’ll turn it into a gem! The creative hub will have a café-bar, 4 workshop rooms, a theatre, exhibition & screening space, co-working offices, reception, new loos, a lift, bike park, rooftop herb garden & green energy. Your cash will go to making the ground floor safe, secure & accessible.
What we'll deliver
- A New Accessible & Glazed 20meter Shopfront and Security Shutters
- A New Accessible Toilet and Shower and Dressing Room
- New Safe and Accessible External Fire Exit Doors at the Front and Rear
- New Widened Internal Doors & Doorways to be Accessible
- A Smooth and Even Floor Surface in the Welcoming Reception leading to the Cafe
Why it's a great idea
The council is supportive of our plans. By Spring ‘23, this boarded-up property will be repurposed, bringing new daytime and evening visitors to a quieter part of town. Situated in the LGBTQ+ area, near to Alphabetti, Dance City, Globe, Life Centre & Discovery, Boho Arts will join up the dots on the map as a creative culture zone.
By putting access first, we’ll help remove barriers that prevent participation in artistic activity. The many positive social benefits that creativity brings, especially in improving wellbeing and mental health, are key motivators. We'll welcome ALL members of the community (with no prejudice to age, gender, sexual orientation, race, colour, religious belief, physical or intellectual ability) to experience these benefits.
We’ll create new jobs, volunteering opportunities, trainee/apprenticeships, and provide affordable creative space for community benefit where grassroots artists can engage with the public in a variety of art forms and cultural activites.
Steps to get it done
- 1 Engage Project Manager
- 2 Engage Contractors
- 3 Demolition Works
- 4 Installation of Doors
- 5 Installation of Shopfront
- 6 Levelling of Floor Surface
- 7 Plumbing and Installation of Accessible Toilet
With more funding on the horizon, this crowdfund is an integral and exciting part of the bigger picture. We hope you'll help us reach our target - pledge, like and grow the crowd for our all-or-nothing campaign. Follow this page for updates. Find us and share on social media @BohoArtsNCL #BohoArtsCrowdfund. Thank you! 🙏
