What is creative space?

It just so happened that creativity is usually considered a frivolous affair. No, of course, how exciting pastime or leisure it is that, only, for the most part, it is rarely taken seriously. Although, by the way, without a creative approach, even rocket science would have published its last squeak a long time ago, but for now, nothing remains. Yes, and what to hide, without creativity there would be no progress. That is why creative spaces are not just a hobby, but an important social and social need.

What is it?

Creative or creative space is a territory where anyone can come to engage in creative activities, somehow express themselves and communicate with the same creative personalities. Simon Evans, curator of Creative Cities, says it's a community of creative entrepreneurs who interact with each other in a specific area.

The main feature of the creative space is that everything in it is aimed at a person, not as a consumer or employee of an organization, but as a person who can create something unique. By the way, such creative spaces are considered one of the types of so-called third places (home - first, work - second).

In the city, creative spaces are created in order to provide the younger generation with a creative environment, different learning opportunities or a place for self-education. A mutually beneficial exchange of skills takes place here, you can conduct experiments or realize your own vision of the world around us.

Key Features

The first and main purpose of the creative space is to provide a territory on which representatives of creative professions, which become more than one year old, can freely act. In return, these spaces get the opportunity to broadcast or popularize a product born on their territory. Plus, the new creative space is new jobs in the city or suburbs.

If there are any non-standard features of the organization of work, then such a territory can serve as a real office center. For example, if members of the organization are engaged in interior design or landscape design, then actually, why not. In such an area it is much more pleasant to sign contracts. After all, here there are usually several recreational areas, and communication will be more informal.

Also, creative spaces can perform a recreational and educational function, be a venue for various cultural events.

Varieties

There are several varieties of creative spaces. These include:

Coworking. In a broad sense, this is such an approach to the organization of labor in which people with different types of employment interact on the same territory.
Art centers. A functional community center designed to promote art practices and offer a variety of services. Beginning artists have a place to exhibit their paintings and receive competent reviews regarding their work.
Art quarters, centers of contemporary art.

Typically, such spaces are placed in those buildings that have not been used for their original purpose for a long time, however, which were brought back to life. As a rule, such sites are former industrial buildings that perform a new function, but retain their architectural appearance.

What is the problem?

Creating a space for creative youth in the library is a relatively new area of activity, the purpose of which is to attract young and creative visitors. Creative spaces usually function in big cities, but in small towns, creative guys gather in the local library. This is mainly due to the lack of funding, and even such ideas have low investment attractiveness.

Therefore, if a creative space is created, then it is most likely a temporary stage in the use of a certain territory. So, interest in a building is growing, and after that it again changes its functions.

Investments

The main source of income here are tenant payments. In addition, creative spaces are usually located in former industrial buildings at a time when the rental price is still low, but when payments rise, then the organization has to look for a new place.

As for investors, they provide territory for creative space until a better offer appears on the horizon. Actually, that's why residents of the creative space and landlords conflict. For example, in 2013 in St. Petersburg with a scandal the Quarter space was closed, which was located in Pirogov’s mansion.

Creative spaces in the world

It is easy to guess that in prosperous European countries creative spaces are developing more actively. At the end of the twentieth century, they began to appear like mushrooms after rain. For example, in the United Kingdom since 1998, it was customary to maintain creative spaces at the state level. The most striking examples in Europe are:

Creative Space Loft Teafactory in London.
Kaapelitehdas (Helsinki), is located in the building of the former cable factory. Helsinki also has the Korjaamo space, which is housed in a former tram depot.
Cultural Center Melkweg (Amsterdam), located at an abandoned dairy.
Superstudio (Milan).

If we talk about Russia, then creative spaces began to appear only in the 2000s. The first organization (Artplay) appeared in 2005 in Moscow; it was located in the building of the Red Rose (a former weaving factory). In subsequent years, several more such spaces were opened. Some of them quickly exhausted themselves, others changed their place of deployment, and some are functioning even today, however, they are moving from place to place.

Just do not need to think that creative space is a collection of people aimlessly burning their lives who huddle in abandoned buildings and pretend to think about the eternal. In some cases, such spaces have long become profitable corporations.

"Symbol"

Creative space “Symbol” is a socio-cultural and educational project of the company “Donstroy”, it is implemented specifically as part of the development of the eponymous quarter of a complex new building. People gather here for whom creative and intellectual development is a lifestyle.

In the creative space “Symbol” there is always a cozy and warm atmosphere, young and creative people constantly come there. When the construction is over, it is precisely this lifestyle that will spread throughout the Symbol complex.

Free workshops, seminars, lectures and presentations are constantly held here. Here it is customary to talk about everything: art, travel, music, history, cooking. Everyone will be able to show and prove himself. True, no one knows what will happen to the “Symbol” when the complex is completed and tenants move there. Perhaps they will leave him that way, but it may happen that the organization changes its place and name.

"In the Tower"

This space is located in St. Petersburg (Soldat Korzun St. 1/2).

The creative space “In the Tower” is somewhat different from the “Symbol”. It can be considered such a house of creativity with various circles. The main emphasis is on dance and theater art. But, interestingly, "In the Tower" is taught even circus art and acrobatics, it is this highlight that attracts residents and visitors to the city.

There are such sections as:

Dance school for children and adults.
Theatre studio.
IZ-studio.
English language.
School of the musical.
Eastern dance.
Brakedance.
Acrobatics and circus studio, etc.

Any holiday can also be organized here, and those who wish can take part in several master classes to learn the art of creating fun from nothing.

ARTLIFE

Creative space "Art Life" appeared only a few years ago, but has already achieved tremendous success. It is located in Moscow (15 Rochdelskaya St., p. 21) and is intended only for those who can, love, and can draw. This space is intended exclusively for artists. They can exchange experiences, show their work at exhibitions and even find employers.

Initially, the space was located only on Rochdelskaya Street, and then it smoothly migrated to the Internet. Today, on the official website of the space, you can take part in interesting workshops, see the work of participants and join the community. It is also worth noting that such a move allowed the creative space to enter the international level: they like to watch useful workshops not only in Russia, but also far beyond its borders.

"Caviar"

This association, absolutely not similar to the previous ones. Creative space "Caviar" is a modern business cluster, which is located on the banks of the Volga. Many young entrepreneurs from the most diverse, creative industries have come together here. Unlike most other spaces, Ikra has convenient studio studios, a multifunctional conference room, a coffee shop and a tea room. Plus, a creative and welcoming atmosphere.

In Volgograd, this is the first creative space located in the very center of the city. Ikra includes more than 40 companies that have a fairly modern view of doing business. In total, the company employs 500 people and there are more and more people willing to join every day.

"Wednesday"

The creative environment “Environment” is a fairly young and ambitious project aimed at creating new relationships in the creative segment and beyond. Located on Nevsky Prospekt 35 in the Great Gostiny Dvor.

On the territory of this space there is a shop of modern domestic designers, a lecture hall, a sewing workshop, a coffee shop and an exhibition hall.

The main idea of the project is the need for continuous development, rethinking of values and going beyond the ordinary and standard experience.

"Shop"

The creative space “Workshop” is slightly different in specificity. It is presented not in one, but in four locations. Three organizations are located in Pyatigorsk (6 Yermolova St.; 40 years of October Revolution St., 30; Kalinina Ave. 92), and one in Essentuki (5a Nikolskaya St.). “Shop” is an atmospheric and comfortable loft that is suitable for the implementation of any creative ideas. Here you can clearly celebrate a birthday, take part in a quest party, attend an animated performance or a children's concert, take a lot of interesting photos in the studio, take part in master classes, etc.

Once a month, you can take part in the “Chest” project - this is an exhibition (and sale) of handmade products. Every Friday, a Mafia game takes place here, and young ladies can be trained in a school of good manners. In general, the specifics are different, but the most interesting is that this creative space appears on demand. For example, if the players gathered for the “Mafia” and paid for the rental of the premises, then they can play for a day.