Five years into the rebuilding of Christchurch, in our Shake Up series we talk about the legacy of the earthquakes with some of the people making the city a better place.
The North Project is founded by (from left to right) Grace Ryder, Sophie Davis and Sophie Bannan. Photo: Supplied
North Projects is an artist-run space in a house-turned-gallery. The idea was sparked after two local galleries closed, leaving a need for a space where artists could show their work. We talk to one of the brains behind it, Sophie Davis.
What is North Projects about?
North Projects supports the development of new and experimental work by local and international artists, that is our focus.
We operate out of a former house and courtyard on Bealey Avenue. It’s founded by myself, Grace Ryder and Sophie Bannan.
On the whole, the earthquake brought about a massive loss of infrastructure and opportunities for artists.
So how did this idea come to fruition?
Grace, Sophie and I had a number of conversations about a lack of grassroots space available for sort of more emerging artists to show work and also more established practitioners to experiment a little bit and produce work outside of a commercial gallery context.
We got into action and decided to start up our own space. It all happened very quickly, we started talking about it and then a couple of weeks later we found a property on TradeMe, went to have a look at it and signed the lease pretty much on the spot.
North Projects then applied for funding and went from there.
We had a very small amount of time to get the funding, get the lease, approach artists and put together an exhibition program.
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Was it quite spontaneous?
We had to be quite quick because we really wanted the lease, but in terms of the conversations that we had had, and the gap within the arts scene here in Christchurch it was quite a calculated decision in that way. So it was kind of a mixture.
What has the response been like?
We run an exhibition program, which has been going for about 18 months now. We kind of select the artists we curate them into the program based on the practices we want to represent.
I can’t remember how many exhibitions we’ve had! The exhibitions last for about 4-5 weeks, and we do film screenings, and artists talks, part of our premise has a courtyard so we have barbecues in the summer.
As well as exhibitions, North Projects does film screenings, and artists talks, Photo: North Projects/Facebook
What do you mean by practices you want to represent?
We’re dedicated to non-commercial work so we don’t sell artwork we are kind of here to support I guess like younger artists who are trying to get their practices off the ground, and also more established artists who want to do something a bit different.
How has the earthquake impacted your life or career?
It’s very hard to assess that. I mean it’s been such a massive change for everyone in Christchurch.
For me personally, it has become a real challenging place to live.
I guess we wouldn’t of started North Projects if there hadn’t of been an earthquake because there was already established infrastructure. The whole initiative has come about through that post-quake context, but it’s more about just responding to a lack of gallery spaces for young and experimental artists.
What opportunities did you gain through the earthquake?
I think that there has been a real atmosphere of reflection here in Christchurch. One of the good things that has sort of happened is that people have stopped to think about the arts in Christchurch and the value that they hold, and also the various types of initiatives that make up a healthy art ecosystem - it’s not just big art galleries like Christchurch Art Gallery, but it’s also smaller galleries that are run by artists themselves.
