Project Spaces in your Neighbourhood

An interesting development in the world of architecture, design and art is the increasing occurrence of experimental office spaces. 'Studio', 'Artist Initiative', 'Workroom', and the fashionably ambiguous term, 'Project Space', are all used to describe spaces that are dedicated to process rather than finished (art)works or products.

This places an emphasis on the work-in-progress nature of the individual or collaborative activities that are backed up by on-going research and support from its community.

Frequently changing use, typology and methodology; the tenants/workers/owners/users of these spaces form a very efficient, small team of people with cross/multi-disciplinary skills. Capable of design to production management, from painting to heavy lifting, accounting to marketing…

Rather effortlessly, such spaces have the ability to reach different kinds of audience, and eventually build strong networks for the creative minds in the neighbourhood.

Though this sort of working environment is a fledgling practice in New Zealand, it has already cemented its place in the creative networks of many of the world’s major cities. Here are a few of our favourites:

Gopher Hole 350-354 Old Street, London

The Gopher Hole is a new project space in Hoxton founded by aberrant architecture and Beatrice Galilee. Our agenda is to explore new ways of curating ideas in contemporary culture and to provide a forum for sharp, critical debate on the arts and society. The Gopher Hole is planning a rolling programme of exhibitions, events, talks, screenings that we hope will provide an open house for ideas that cross cultural boundaries, promote political and sociological thinking and encourage debate and exchange between disciplines.

Program Invalidenstrasse 115, 10115, Berlin

PROGRAM is a nonprofit project aimed at testing the disciplinary boundaries of architecture through collaborations with other fields. Initiated in 2006 by Carson Chan and Fotini Lazaridou-Hatzigoga, PROGRAM provides a discursive platform for artists, architects, critics and curators to explore ideas through exhibitions, performances, workshops, lectures, and residencies.

Homeshop Jiaodaokou Beiertiao Number 8, Beijing

HomeShop began as a storefront residence and artist initiative in Beijing, 2008. Broadening scope in number and potential, they have now relocated to a new space near Beixinqiao. Combining a storefront activity space, work studios and service desk, HomeShop questions existing models of economic and artistic production as an exploration of the micropolitical possibilities of the everyday, and of working together.

Spilt Fountain 452 Karangahape Road, Auckland

S/F operates variously as an exhibition space, publishing project, design studio, and bookstore. S/F aims to provide a platform for facilitating collaborative projects and for showcasing art publishing happening both locally and internationally.

Image by Asumi Mizuo

Chocolate Theatre 14 Mills Lane, Albany, North Shore, Auckland

Chocolate Theatre is a cooperative non-profit organisation and a creative space in Albany, Auckland. Our mission is to encourage, nurture and support co-creation and collaborative projects.