Ever wondered what to do with those almost-finished creative projects, or have you just been seeking opportunities to share personal passions? Side Door Social, a new Nottingham social enterprise, is probably what you’re looking for. Their founder Si Beales and creative director Bo Beales tell us all about it...
What is Side Door Social and how did it come about?
Si: It’s a space to exhibit half-formed ideas, projects, and passions – to inspire visitors to submit their own passion projects. It's ‘work in progress’, but something that you want to showcase, talk about, or want some help with.
When I was the Chair of Creative Brighton, which was quite a few years ago, we had all these wonderful projects and community groups. I used to go to an event called ‘Glug’, and it was brilliant because it was in this old basement and very informal. It had a variety of different disciplines exhibiting – you wandered around and took it all in. There might be somebody doing some coding, somebody creating artwork, or someone talking about their latest project. It had a freedom to it. I think the biggest thing I took from that is allowing people to learn and have fun in a freeing and non-judgmental space.
When Bo and I started talking about creating something like this for Nottingham, it was very much about developing something that is not commercial. That’s not to say it might not be leading there, just that it’s not the main focus.
Bo: For me, I had already been thinking about this kind of thing. My friends were coming out of uni, and talking about how they had done these kinds of events like Si described. But then it kind of stops. And I knew people that had graduated years before and they were great artists, but they weren't really making anything, because you lose the purpose if it isn’t linked to your career. Or they were creating passion projects but not getting exhibition space, because it can be hard to get. And that’s frustrating. Side Door Social solves the problem of finding a space to exhibit work-in-progress projects. I know quite a lot of people who went to the first event just to see what it’s about. They are now creating a project specifically to show at the next one.
If you’re passionate about cooking, or textiles, or whatever, so long as it’s your passion, and you want to showcase it, Side Door is the place to do that
Let’s talk about the venue of Side Door Social – The People’s Hall. It’s a very unique space.
Si: Yeah, we were introduced to Josh (Packham) from the Nottingham Historic Building Trust, after finding out about other projects going on there. Josh is hugely passionate about the building and making sure it’s primarily for public use. It was, after all, the original venue of the Nottingham School of Design (founded in 1843) and it makes sense to return it to its purpose of showcasing innovation and creativity.
It’s a beautiful Georgian Building, in need of extensive restoration. There isn't electricity, water, or a toilet. But we’ve been creative in making it functional for Side Door Social. Local businesses like Broadway support us with the use of amenities. We have generators, so there is some lighting and electricity. We’ve just secured funding for a PA system and projection screen, so it’s coming along nicely.
In terms of inclusivity, if anyone is thinking about coming along but might be having second thoughts, especially if they have no experience of art or creativity; is Side Door Social for them?
Bo: I think over half of the people that were at the first event probably weren't (from art school or had formal teaching). That's the whole point, really. I was chatting to quite a lot of people on the day who were like, ‘Oh, my mate has some work on display here, so I’ve come to support them. I don't really get art, but this is really great.’ And then they talked about what they like about it, and I was like, ‘Well, it sounds like you get it!’
Si: And I think the best thing about exhibiting (at Side Door Social) is it doesn’t have to be arts focused. If you’re passionate about cooking, or textiles, or whatever, so long as it’s your passion, and you want to showcase it, Side Door is the place to do that.
Do you have any other future plans for SDS and The People’s Hall?
Si: We definitely see future collaboration between my own agency – Side Door Studio – and The People’s Hall. We are also excited about the potential of bringing back the Penny Lectures, which would be amazing. We would look to create a programme of lectures, and people would come along, bring their own food, or whatever, and it would be just a nice space to listen and learn. But for now, we are looking forward to hosting our next social, which might involve being a bit more outdoors – something that spills out onto the street!
Side Door Social happens every other month on a Wednesday evening, at the People’s Hall. The next event is on Wednesday 8 July at 6pm. Tickets available at Eventbrite. For more information on how to submit to Side Door Social visit their Facebook page, Instagram, or email hello@sidedoor.studio
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