The WIP - Introduction

[CoWorker]

Hi everyone.

My name's David and I thought it was about time I introduced myself,
as I've been lurking on this group for a while now. I would like to
say firstly, what an amazing group this is. The supportive, open and
informative nature of this group has really encouraged me to explore
the possibilities of co working in my area.

So, on with the introduction. The WIP (Work in Progress) www.thewip.co.uk
(shout out to rockettheme.com and Joomla!) will be a collaborative
workspace aimed at the creative type in and around Ipswich, UK.

We hope to offer a place for all creatives, but with a lean towards
those in the visual arts. We will have around a 1200 sq ft available
to artists, sculpters, jewelry and textile designers and anyone else
who needs a bit of space and whose work is not really possible without
a bit of mess. This space will be more artist studio/workshop
space.

We will also have around 1200 sq ft for the more computer based co
workers or illustrators. When you throw in graphic designers,
writers, entrepreneurs and developers, it should be a pretty cool and
energised place to work.

We currently have bookings and the space won't be open until March
next year but people seem really excited about it and the community is
starting to build.

We are applying for funding through an organization in the UK called
the Arts Council to assist with startup and running costs for the
first 3 years. With their support, we hope to not only offer
affordable workspaces, but take art and graphics to the wider
community by offering workshops, classes and exhibitions to the
public, and also make art available to smaller, more specific
communities.

I didn't mean to write so much, this was supposed to be a quick thank
you and introduction, I'm sure I'll have a few questions over the
coming months but to kick things off, has anyone had any experience
with funding of this (or any other) kind? I'm not talking about bank
loans or VC companies, I'm more specifically interested in government
grants, sponsorships, lottery money and things like that. I
appreciate that most of you guys are in the US and will have different
organisations and processes, I'd still be very interested in your
stories nevertheless.

Well, on with the show. Look forward to hearing from anyone.

ps. I absolutely love the idea of incorporating childcare and it's
certainly something I want to explore. The trouble with the UK
though, is that childcare so over regulated by the nanny state we live
in, that it makes it almost impossible to open one unless you have a
couple of hundred thou in the bank.

David.

[Mark Clayton Hand]

Hello all -

My name is Mark Hand, and I'm working with a nascent space in
Shreveport, Louisiana that's a sort of franchise of CoHabitat Dallas.
I stumbled across this group today, and have the same question as
David below:

>government grants,sponsorships, lottery money and things like that

In another thread, somebody said

>I think you'll find plenty of people here that can help advise in alternative ways to raise funds

We're considering business sponsorships and, if it's out there,
something creative and exciting. I would really appreciate any ideas
yall* might have!

Best,

Mark

*yep, that's Louisiana.

> grants,sponsorships, lottery money and things like that.  I