What:
The Waiting Room project is in an empty unused bus station waiting room in a run down area of St Botolph’s – a building that once served as the heart beat of Colchester Town Centre. Utilising the space to test new ideas and alternative community-led facilities and services, under the banner of ‘St Botolph’s,’ Colchester will be reinvigorated cultural activities.
Why we like it:
At The Waiting Room, you’ll find the first community managed ‘give-get’ library in Essex which works on the basis that those who access it also contribute to it. It will start its life by hosting a history archive and an online directory of local crafters, designers, hackers and makers. This will be a place where you can barter and acquire new skills (for some serious fun), share your own know-how, publish your ideas, collaborate, start a new business or explore a new career.
The Waiting Room is home to two disused kiosks, formerly a newsagent and a left luggage centre serving the bus station. Business incubation and product presentation spaces will be provided for local makers. Kiosk 1 will be an artists/makers shop providing a dedicated selling and presentation space for new and established Artists/Makers. Kiosk 2 will be available for 1-week to 3-month residencies to explore new ways of promoting and presenting skills, craft and making. This could be a short-term shop or show, a talk, film screening, artist residency, series of workshops, etc.
Artists, makers, thinkers and talkers from the general public, local residents and neighbouring businesses are invited to submit proposals to use the Waiting Room space. Ideas that help to develop the town’s cultural heritage and creative identity and/or celebrate St Botolph’s Quarter will be prioritised. Proposals can include talks, lectures, discussions, exhibitions, performance, demonstrations, screenings, workshops or whatever you feel is appropriate.
There is also a space to eat wholesome locally sourced food prepared by young up and coming chef Charlie Stocker soon to be launched.
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