Case Study: Make Space
 

1.        What is your venue used for?
Proudly a Renew Newcastle project, Make Space is a collective of 7 makers and houses all local, handmade product.  There are many other makers also involved who have their product displayed on consignment.  Our current 7 makers have varied experience and product (jewellery, art, adults and kids clothing, photography....many more items, too many to list) .

2.       What are some of the features and facilities of this space?
Make Space features all Local product and is not in the Mall to compete with other stores but to add interest to the Mall (always attempting to Renew Newcastle).  A great meeting point for local Makers to share and learn from other like-minded artists.  Make Space caters for many Artisans who don’t quite have enough product to have a market stall of their own.

3.       What is unique about this venue?
Local, Soulful and Made by hand.

4.       What are some examples of past or current exhibitions/performances/events held in this space?
Make Space generally partakes in Renew Newcastle “First Friday’s”.  Most first Fridays of the month  Renew Newcastle projects collectively open from 5pm until 8pm.  This evening is about bringing some life to the Mall and each space promotes their latest projects. Renew Newcastle generally offers to the public a “Tour” to all the Renew Sites.  We take this chance to spruce things up at the shop and offer our guests some wine and nibblies on their visit.

5.       What has been a highlight event at your venue?
Our “Warm Fuzzy” night on the 1st of July 2011, where we offered our guests Home Made Sticky date pudding (complete with caramel sauce and cream), Apple Pie and we also Mulled some wine, which was a big hit  being mid winter.  The drawcard for the evening was Sandra McDowell (a gifted local maker of all things woollen) who was on hand for Communal Crochet tips.  The night was a huge success, with lots of kids also enjoying making things with our very own maker – Chris.
 

6.       How can new local arts and cultural groups get involved with your venue?
We invite all local makers wishing to showcase their product.  They can do this by emailing us images and we will collectively respond.

7.       Do you offer any particular services to artists/performers/community groups that utilise your space?
We have an area at the shop where we accept flyers / brochures / business cards etc. for artists to promote their event/openings etc.  This is a great way of getting events of interest to our customers.

8.       How would you like to see this venue develop in the future?
Make Space has now been operating for almost 2.5 years, and would love to continue as a self sufficient collective.
 

For further information, visit RENEW NEWCASTLE website for up-to-date list of projects or “Like” Make Space on Facebook to keep in touch.

- Gathered by Timothy Grant.