East Village Arts Co-op

** Community, Creativity and Participation

What exactly is EVAC?
The East Village Arts Co-op is a non-hierachical, cooperative space started by a small group of creative people in the East Village in Winter 2008, who were looking to have an inclusive, accessible, safe spot where they could record, craft and create art as well as connect with the greater community.

What happens there?
EVAC hosts a number of workshops, events, concerts, exhibitions and community groups. It serves the community in a variety of ways, at times as a gallery, stage, studio, office, dining room, activist centre, safe space, work space, chill space, recording spot, bike shop, coffee spot, play area, crafting room and more. The space can be rented for community use. Contact us for details.

How does it all work?
Decisions are made by consensus of the membership base.
We have bi-weekly meetings in which finances, events, ideas and operations are discussed and decisions are put to a vote by present members. The co-op is entirely volunteer run.

Core Membership - $50/month
Core members are responsible for maintaining the co-op space. They are the key decision makers, movers and shakers. They also put hours in during events, putting on shows and volunteering time & energy. Core members are entitled to free exhibit/event time (as schedule allows), free access to events and workshops, wireless internet and use of co-op space/shared resources. Membership selection is decided based on dedication, character and interest level. To apply for membership, contact us. Different membership levels can be discussed.

Other ways to get involved
EVAC is always looking for volunteers to help out during events or to maintain the space. We also accept donations of funds and materials.
This is always appreciated, as we do not profit from events!
We are currently looking for recycling bins, recording equipment and craft supplies/paint, linoleum tiles/flooring, coffee/tea/snacks. There is potential to rent out the space to artists, community groups, musicians, organizers, or to use as a workspace.

MISSION STATEMENT

The EAST VILLAGE ARTS COOPERATIVE (evac) is a grassroots community project which exists to provide common space and resources to the local community. We are united voluntarily to meet our common social, cultural, and creative needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and consensus-controlled collective. We are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, consensus, equality, equity, and solidarity. We believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others.

Voluntary and Open Membership: Our doors are open to all persons able to use our services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.

Democratic Member Control: We are a consensus based organization controlled by our members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.

Member Economic Participation: Our members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative.

Autonomy and Independence: We are an autonomous, self-help organization controlled by our members.

Education, Training and Information: We provide education and training for our members to inform the general public about the nature and benefits of co-operation.

Co-operation among Co-operatives: We serve our members by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.

Concern for Community: While focusing on our members needs, we work for the sustainable and ethical development of our communities through policies accepted by our members.

East Village Arts Co-op
Board Members

Treasurer
Morgan Rehm

Communications Coordinator
Melissa Parrott

Marketing Coordinator
Istvan Sipos

Core Members

Bill Cecil-Smith

Jeff Kahl

Cayleah Matthews

Narcise

Food Not Bombs

Safe Space London

Key Contributors Past & Present

Jason Allen

Everett Aukema