Whanganui's Space Monster Photo: Uncle Leigh Mitchell-Anyon
Earlier this week Whanganui’s alternative music and arts venue Space Monster announced its closure over social media. The heritage building, once the home of the city’s daily paper, The Whanganui Chronicle, has operated as a hub for local and touring artists for over a decade thanks to the building’s owner Ross Mitchell-Anyon, and Dylan Herkes who initially ran the space as Stink Magnetic and held his infamous Stink Fest events.
Four years ago, when Dylan moved on, it was Ross’ son, Jack who took over the place as Space Monster bringing the likes of Lawrence Arabia, Beastwars, So So Modern, LIPS, Delaney Davidson and even Japan’s Guitar Wolf to Whanganui.
So what does it the closure mean for the town’s arts community? Yadana Saw asks Jack what prompted the closure and what the future holds for the venue.
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