Everywhere Updates - 190 days out
Supermarket of Ideas
Remember that supermarket? We have the keys, and an agreement to take it over for May and June (with an option to extend). It’s set to become the Origem of Everywhere: our decentralized/center camp in Lisboa.
The first activation for May 22/23-24 is taking shape. It’ll feature independent designers, workshops, talks, music, an elixir bar, a teahouse. We are looking for partners to bring plants, flowers, rugs, lights and vinyls. We could furnish the place ourselves (donations are open!), but wouldn’t it be nicer to have things like rugs, lights and plants integrated into the place that people can also take home with them?
We are also closing in on a legal setup to receive contributions into the Sharing Fund. It seems our best option is to create an association that has a focus on supporting art and nature projects. This can be non-profit. It can receive contributions digitally, from anywhere, and from local events like the Origem of Everywhere. Those funds can be used to award grants.
Through those conversations, brainstorming sessions with Eve and Ania in Ibiza about MA, and the experience of being involved with Those Who Dance, I’ve been especially aware over the last few days of how legal and ownership structures are so oppressive to ideas and creativity. You think of an amazing idea, but then you have to make it match up with an entity type — a company, a foundation, a cooperative, an association. These are structured differently in different countries. There are reporting and tax requirements. There are legal and operational costs. Combine that with landlords and funds who own most of the physical spaces, and it really tests the patience and budget of any creator or innovator.
But it’s what we’re here for. To make the best out of what’s in front of us, to keep creating, building, solving problems, inspiring people to do things differently. Landlords are people, funds are a collection of people. Any person can be inspired. (Most of them) also want to feel connected, and like they are part of something bigger. It’s worth the hard work, and we get out what we put in. So keep signing up.