Cultivating a creative ecology


XCHC (Exchange Christchurch) is a for purpose business set up to benefit the community by providing a place for creative practitioners to develop their practice, share ideas and knowledge, and connect with other creative practitioners. It was established in the post earthquake context as a response to the loss of space to develop and showcase creative work, but also in recognition of the creative explosion that happened post earthquake and the intention to foster its growth by providing a place for people to come together to develop their ideas.

XCHC provides four unique yet connected areas: venue, showcase space, accommodation, and the cafe/bar. Their close proximity enables the casual exchange of knowledge between the creative disciplines. Additionally, by providing a place for creative practitioners to meet one another it lends to building a community of interest around the creative industries. The three areas of focus are:

 

CREATING

XCHC Makerspace is for the production of two and three dimensional creative works, and is a space where practitioners make, experiment and test ideas. Because of the open floor plan there is an opportunity to sharing knowledge with one another as well as pursue collaborative works.  Residents of the makerspace come from a wide variety of disciplines as well as bring with them varying levels of experience. This diversity enriches the exchange of knowledge.

 

SHARING

XCHC Showcase Space is a multi-purpose venue to host workshops, performances, film screenings, launches, presentations, exhibitions, etc. Each event is curated by a host and provides an opportunity for creative practitioners to share their work with a wider audience.

 

Connection

Our espresso bar is a hybrid between café/workspace and having a license means we can financially support the organization. Hospitality creates the opportunity for people to come together, casually share ideas, and meet like-minded creative individuals. The communal seating extends into the XCHC Showcase Space and blurs where creative practice starts and the public enters.

 

OBJECTIVES

  • Demonstrating leadership in enabling creative enterprise by developing a self sustaining cultural enterprise model to underpin and assure the longer-term evolutionary development of XCHC

  • Releasing the potential for creative enterprise by enabling and supporting creative individuals and groups to share knowledge, experiment and test ideas and develop commercially viable creative practices.

  • Creating opportunities for people interested in creative enterprise to exchange and share knowledge in order to further their creative practices and increase public awareness of the potential for creative communities to enable positive change.

 

VISION

The vision of XCHC is to form a creative ecology that empowers the creative community to develop successful enterprises that in turn positively impact individual's economic stability and quality of life.

There are four types of people that participate in this creative ecology:

  • Creative practitioners who come to XCHC to work and develop their creative enterprises.

  • Groups or individuals that host creative events at XCHC.

  • Guests who come to visit and experience creative works at XCHC.

  • The public who at a more subconscious level are affected by the collective growth of the creative community.  

The social benefits of providing a space that nurtures a creative ecology include: increased quality of life, increased sense of empowerment, increased sense of opportunity, and increased economic independence. These social benefits transcend across the four types of people and are diverse and multi-faceted.

Developing a culture where people can invest in their their own niche businesses increases the economic diversity of a city which makes for a more resilient future economy. This is made possible by providing a culture where creative practitioners can develop the skills they need to create successful businesses through leveraging both the network of XCHC residents and the expertise of the wider XCHC team.

Providing a place that connects the creative community breeds a sense of opportunity and possibility, which makes for an exciting and desirable place to live, and in turn attracts both new people who want to be apart of the creative culture as well as inspires those in the community to develop their creative practices further

 
 

BERLIN - The concept of XCHC was conceived by Uwe Rieger who started similar projects in Berlin in the early 90’s in the wake of the fall of the Berlin Wall.  Rieger was a young architectural graduate in the burgeoning creative vacuum that exploded and defined Berlin as the epicenter of the avant-guard of Europe.

The first iteration of XCHC was called Praxis Dr McCoy, and operated between 1991-1994, it went on to become one of Berlin`s famous Techno Clubs and was a testing ground for experimental art and architecture.

Later Rieger co-founded Kunst und Technik e.V., an interdisciplinary exchange for designers, artists, technicians and architects, and became internationally known for experimental projects, events and exhibitions. Kunst und Technik Bar Nights were legendary in the Berlin`s avant-guard scene, the project ran from 1996- 2001.

AUCKLAND - Rieger took the concept to Auckland and was one of the directors of shed^10 (2009-2011). The project was one of the early incubators for what has now become a successful repurposed warehouse known as The City Depot Works.

CHRISTCHURCH - The post earthquake creative explosion in Christchurch, while very different from that of Berlin in the 90’s, has one thing in common, and that is it is a pivotal time in history for the city. 

If we look around we see not only creative ideas taking shape, but also a growing desire to participate in and support the creative industries, for it is recognised that it is upon their success that a vibrant and exciting city exists. 

We credit Gap Filler, Free Range Press, Ministry of Awesome, Life in Vacant Spaces, The Social and FESTA for pioneering innovative and place based creative works that inspire others to rise to the occasion of rebuilding the city while taking a stand for their ideals and purpose.  It is in the context of these amazing projects that XCHC has come to life.

 

our “why”

After the earthquakes there were few spaces for artists and creative individuals, groups, and organizations to network and develop work.

So XCHC opened as a testing ground for musicians, artists, designers, and makers of all sorts to come together in an affordable, low-risk, and productive environment.

A city where creativity thrives leads to innovation, a diverse economy, and happier citizens.

Preston | Exchange Operator | “Artist Hype-man”

Preston | Exchange Operator | “Artist Hype-man”

Personally: Celebrate creative gifts.

In the rise of technology and social media, comes the need for more human connection, building community, and deeper relationships. The creative process can at times be a challenging and vulnerable journey, so it helps to have a network of like-minded people around you.

Whether you’re creative or not, social isolation is a reality in our society. XCHC has nurtured a culture where people feel comfortable with expressing themselves, working on their passions, and supporting others to do the same.

Cultivating a Creative Ecology: A city full of thriving artists running sustainable businesses is the future we’re creating.

Cultivating a Creative Ecology:
A city full of thriving artists running sustainable businesses is the future we’re creating.

Professionally: Disrupt.

We do things differently.
We are a for-purpose (not profit) business that exists to serve a social and creative need in the city; sometimes known as Social Enterprise. By running a business providing space for creative and cultural experiences and growth, we fill a gap that produces a strong sense of community, contributes to our wellbeing, and brings joy while also building the creative capacity and a more diverse and resilient creative economy.

XCHC is an evolving prototype. We leverage business to provide personal and professional development, education, and meaningful experiences that build value in our daily lives.

in 7 years We’ve hosted :

1,500+ events
90+ exhibitions
200+ artists residencies

accommodation (Starting April, 2017):

180 guests | 17 countries

These are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that align with our values:

 

The XCHC would not be possible without a range of supporters. If you or your organisation believes in the value the creative industries bring to society and would like to support this start up space, we are always looking for partners, please contact us at info@xchc.co.nz. 

XCHC is not grant relient, but we wholeheartedly thank those who funded the start of this initiative:

And all those who have provided us with in kind support:
Duncan Cotterill: Legal Advice
Ed Post & Associates: Accounting services
Gap Filler: Donated electrical hardware from the Pallet Pavilion
Mactodd Lawyers: Legal Advice
Peanut Productions: Photographs courtesy of Erica Austin
PlatformE Marketing Limited: Marketing advice courtesy of Kate Eagle