The times they are a-changin’.
This post seems to be older than 9 years—a long time on the internet. Dated info and offers may no longer apply. Some technical info might be outdated. Please feel free to post a comment with any updated info .
“Short-sightedness” is a crime against oneself… I’m not sure where I heard that but this kickstarter project and article reminded me of that saying. Ok so it may be more accurate to say “some” Brooklyn communities, but I definitely see this problem in many Black Brooklyn communities.
When 4w circle of Art and Enterprise closed I tried getting artist together to do this. I was inspired by my experience with one Smith Street group in the late 1990’s as well as my history of these. Why can’t the black community work together. Why can’t creative get together, use the empty spaces as temporary spaces for creative businesses thus stimulating growth.
It’s teh Challeng I asked my cofounders at Tibiaetech. As we worked out other details we began and soon found found 596 Acres which focused on unused land. we looked at Geodisic Domes and old containers all with a view of future use. We sort space to SOURCE, SHOW, SEE, LEARN, TEACH, MAKE, SHOP, SELL EAT & EARN This morning I learned about MiLES…
miLES opens underused storefronts to new possibilities, with classes, events, co-working, and short-term space rentals. We work with residents, artists, businesses and landlords
In short they’ve organized to facilitate creatives BKSTYLE! I was so happy to discover them NOW maybe Black folks will listen.(Yes I said it).
- In the late 1990’s we opend an unused space in Albe Square mall as a Holiday Pop up “Continuam”. Miles is collaborating with FABWORKS
- There is a demands for the pop up shops we usualy do in Boutiques and hair salons and lounges since 1999 they have EVA NY
- We did a night incubator they have Pushcart utilizing unused coffee space for night classes
- The Brooklyn Fashion is Known for popup shows and sales at local bars and lounges esp unused/low night hours at a bar for Parkside Lounge for performance and rehearsal space . Strangely these were abandoned by creative seeking the more LES type “boutique” space.
Federal Plaza, brooklyn Musem, madaba’s Outpost … all have seen our footprints. yes We find we lack the press opportunities but we still pull a crowd – The fact is rather than support and share efforts, others soon “copy” there are No boundaries, the press is activist, business person. Hunger has a way of clouding judgement. Disadvantage communities are Hungry.
MiLES”S modular furniture kickstarter is cool but for our needs too bulky. Theyre focused on 7 themes (SHOW, PLAY, LEARN, SHARE, MAKE, SHOP & EAT) We looked at multi-use standinng as well as mobile spaces. Our project is heavily female and we’ve had to travel and set up ALONE. Instread we create designs for modulars “sets” catering to office, Seating,partition and looked for “Infrasturcture that can be pulled together in any contry using simple instructions and allowing for easy transport. The MiLES modulars would be usable as
shelving, partitions, tables, seats, stage, as well as infrastructure such as lighting, WIFI, power strips, speakers, projectors, and PA system so you have all the basic ingredients to create your own pop-up
Space is Not the only problem.
Putting those who practice a model with issues isa tough way to create change. I had to,in the meantime focus on developing an entrepreneurial program and plan as well as other aspects that are needed. Our main focus was on a creative entrepreneurial program and developing change management services. We focus on “WHY creatives were not selling”, but I’ve learned that a creative entrepreneurial curriculae is needed to enhance these space solutions.
True, I have been saying this since 2003/4 to other desigenrs and crafters. Most people I’ve shared it with soon decided they needed to run a “space” or an incubator, focusing on the real estate value and ignoring the broader issues and viewed RENTAl as their primary income. Thus sending these spaces back into the impractical “unaffordable” realm.
We went to local politicians(ok my late partner Paul dragged me.) It is simply one aspect of a larger solution. It is at the core of The TIBIAETECH solution. Look I’ve been open with SEVERAl stakeholders… some in Real Estate about using open empty store fronts and building. I even have an strongly developed business plan… But as soon as they consider it and see the numbers. “ownership and control become an issue.
I’ll be real in our communities we have other problems…
- We do not own the properties and those who own properties do not care about long term development.
- We lack a sense of urgency
- We’re waiting for others to do it first (which is why I’m glad to see miLES)
- We are beseiged with other issues…
- We do not want the responsibility…
- We cop outon great ideas… and wait for someone else to do it first.
- FEAR
- We do not take risk
- To Quote one prominent Brooklyn Politician #Nepotism (and #Croneyism) Rules Brooklyn (Politics)
- … and lastly cannot forget that Crab in Barrel syndrome… if you do not know this I’ll spare you the details.
the answer self help- Creative interested in solutions for creatives by creative
please rsvp and attend http://