Saplings and Tin Cup Recording Equipment

Support Th’Orchard to get new recording equipment, to grow the careers of our up-and-coming artists.

Th’Orchard is an artist led, multidisciplinary arts collective established with the purpose of providing a physical space for artists of all disciplines, cultures, ages, and experience levels to create and collaborate.

It was founded by Mark Vanilau and Solomon Smith in 2018 to provide a free space accessible to all walks of life, located in the Rowley Ave Shops in Hoon Hay.

A space for talanoa, meaningful connection and intentional creative output. Built on the shared values of love, strength in diversity and open artistic expression.

What we need

Funding is required to upgrade the sound equipment which will allow higher quality audio recordings to be created. The current equipment was gifted second-hand, and although it has served its purpose, it has become dated and often breaks during recordings. We are now in need of higher quality recording hardware and software to ensure artists quality and intention is fully captured.

We need $6,000 to buy 2 mac minis, a soundcraft digital mixer and a studio condenser microphone.

The sound equipment is currently used by a wide variety of talented artists, free of charge. Access to the equipment is one of the hugest barriers to emerging artists being able to create quality demos, to take their career to the next level. Booking time in a recording studio is out of reach for most in our community.

Why we need it

Two of the key projects developed at Th’Orchard over the past two years, Saplings Youth Project and Tin Cup Sessions, will benefit greatly from this upgrade. Both require professional recording equipment to capture and create demo material for further development. There is a huge opportunity to capture and develop original material from local Christchurch artists, which in turn will become a springboard for their career development.

The Saplings Youth Project is an opportunity for a group of young people to practice, record, perform and collaborate with other artists. The Saplings make a significant contribution to their community through performing at local events, mentoring for other members of their community and contributing to the greater Christchurch arts community.

Tin Cup Sessions are collaborative, open mic sessions where artists of all disciplines and backgrounds are invited to come together, create and develop a piece of work. At the end of each session an audio track is captured, archived and made available to be developed further by contributing artists. These dynamic, evolving sessions are the creative fuel that powers new projects.

Every donation large or small is hugely appreciated. Any amount will make a huge difference.

Our artists are so grateful for the contribution you are making to their futures.