We Love Space Academy

Space Academy is a small venue and creative space in Ōtautahi/Chch that hosts a diverse range of events.

Over the years Space Academy has welcomed an incredible range of local and international artists through our doors, it feels pretty unreal to look back at some of the events we have been lucky enough to host. 

During the week, we also make ourselves available to groups from all corners of our community, and no matter what is on, we aim to foster inclusion, equality and creativity.

We believe in what we do, but the goal was never to make the big bucks and we certainly don’t have bags of money saved away for unprecedented times like these. Spaces like ours are some of the last to reopen and even when we can open our doors, we will still have a way to go before we are operating sustainably.

Right now our bills are large, overwhelming and ongoing. We have done our best to reduce our costs while we are closed and are fortunate to have a cooperative landlord and to be receiving the wage subsidy for now. Unfortunately this doesn’t touch the sides of the outgoings for a place like ours which is why we are reaching out to you now.

Our goal is to raise 14k which would get us through three months of difficult times. We know we’re facing more than three difficult months, but with that much covered we feel positive about our future and it buys us time to adapt to a changed environment. 

Our goal is to reopen as soon as we safely can and we look forward to seeing our calendar filling up again. While we are unable to host gigs we have been putting some of our energy into helping local music label Melted Ice Cream put on a weekly streaming gig. We will continue to do so until we can host gigs as before. We’re fizzing to welcome back the bands, musicians, poets, academics, political groups, artists, part-time party people and general good folk who make Space Academy what it is.

The next wee while is going to involve a whole lot of sleeves up, hard mahi but we believe in what we do. We believe in the value of the events we host and what we (collectively) add to the city. 

All support toward our campaign, no matter the size, will help us to forge on and build resilience in these uncertain, cash-tight months. If you are not in a position to give money, we’d still really appreciate your support in sharing our campaign!

We don’t know what the future of entertainment will look like in Ōtautahi/Christchurch and wider Aotearoa but we know that we want to be a part of it. 

Loving you,

Rich, Hamish and Megs xx

#saveourvenues #saveourvenuesnz #welovespaceacademy

This Boosted campaign is part of a nationwide awareness drive under the banner of Boosted LIVE presents #SAVEOURVENUES with the aim to help generate support for crucial, original, small live music venues in cities and towns across New Zealand. The campaign is calling on everyone to help raise awareness, funds and trigger a national response strategy in support of a thriving musical culture in Aotearoa. Please support your local venues. They need you.