Skaters using the space to build an obstacle on which to practice their art.
What is Third Space Artworks?
Third Space Artworks UK is the brainchild of Ben B artist, who seeks to bring ‘more art, to more people, in more places’. How? By making more art media - things like screen printing, 3D printing, sculpture, and more - to more people - by making space and resources available to people who might not be able to afford to work with more costly media, in more places - by taking workshops and materials to communities that need them.
We will be aiming to provide multiple free workshops throughout the year. In order to provide these free experiences, we will raise funds by selling brand merchandise, art products, and holding ticketed events. The events will be themed, providing a fun day out for whichever audience is being catered to. This includes, families, adults, young people, and various different cultures and subcultures. As well as these sources, we are also happy to receive donations, and will sometimes need to crowd fund certain events or projects.
The brand is new, and will continue to grow and evolve. As it does, we hope our mission will also grow, and reach even more people. Come with us on this journey!
Sociologist Ray Oldenburg.
Photo credit:
University of West Florida, M1981-42 UWF Faculty Publication Files
https://uwf.digital.flvc.org/islandora/object/uwf%3A55932
What is a ‘Third Space’
A third space is any kind of space where people don’t live or work. The home is the first space, work is the second space, meaning the third place could be anywhere else. The term was first conceptualised in 1989 by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his book The Great Good Place.
The third space has some loose criteria:
Neutral ground - people are free to come and go as they please.
a levelling place - class and other socioeconomical factors are not relevant, there is no rank or power structure.
Accessible and accommodating - the third space is a space for everyone, and so should be accessible to everyone.
Conversation is key - the third space is somewhere that people engage in friendly conversation. Whether it’s an egaging discussion of ideas or dreams, or chit-chat about the weather, people connect through conversations with each other.
Regulars - the third space has a community around it, where people go and regularly see faces they know well. A great example of this is the skatepark. Skateboarding has a community of its own, and the skatepark is common ground for the skate community of the local area. Another is the local pub.
A playful atmosphere - the third space is a place for recreation, as well as conversation, another reason the skatepark is a good example!
home away from home - similar to the regulars section, the community around a third space is what makes it a home-from-home. The regulars are like a family to each other.
Not all third spaces fit all of the criteria, but must have some of them. Above all, a third space is a space for people, accessible to all.
The reason we chose Third Space for the name of this project is because we aim to foster connections between people and places, and get people engaging face-to-face, with art being the bridge connecting them. We want people to have spaces where they can just hang out, connect with people, and engage in creative activities, and even play - that includes adults, too! Part of the idea of the third space is a palyful atmosphere, and more adults need to learn that, at least every so often, it is OK for them to play! There is a time and a place for recreation and through our work, we will create the spaces for it.
The skatepark is a great example of a third space.