DO NOT START is an artist and creative collective on Grand Rapids' southwest side.
Upon returning to the US after over a decade in Europe, it was apparent to us that the American experience had soured, and that people were more isolated, afraid, and defeated than can possibly be healthy. Even the well-adjusted have a need for something more than work/consume/accumulate. The missing element is, we think, something larger and more communal to dedicate one's time and energy to. Somewhere that feels like it is everyone's, and more important than the daily inconveniences that get blown significantly out of proportion. So we got a very large space and have spent every day since working on it to create something that hopefully can accommodate hundreds of like-minded people that want to contribute to an alternative means of finding purpose and fulfilment in a shrinking and seemingly hostile world. We also miss the old days of real cafes and community spaces, where you could go because you knew people you liked would be there.
The other aspect is skills and knowledge. We believe that people who practice and excel at various skills are always looking for a place to share them and for people who want to learn. So the more of them you can get in one spot, the more of an audience they will find, and that reciprocal sharing improves everyone's lives. So we hope to have a regular schedule of events, classes, workshops, markets, gallery shows, etc, as well as a communal project area and tool library so that you can do something like repair your rickety dresser alongside someone who actually knows how dressers are built and why. Or to come teach a class on whatever weird thing you enjoy doing so that others can learn and contribute. We have woodworkers, personal trainers, painters, cooks, computer programmers, and screenprinters already kicking about, and as more people join more skills are added to the pool.
The warehouse itself was built in the late 1800s, and is as weird and industrial as you would expect. There is always something to build, paint, repair, decorate, or alter to keep us all busy, and you too if you want to be a part. Obviously, 14,000 square feet is expensive, especially in the winter, so membership is the way in which we want to fund the space. A monthly contribution gets you access to all the events, shared resources, and community we can produce, and it gives you somewhere to go that isn't a bar where you can meet new people, kill a day reading or working, or just mill about and see what everyone else is up to. So a combination late-90s café, weird art gallery, movie theatre, and events space, but with a conveyor belt and decent music.
We have also built a small library, gym, artist warren, coworking space, shared project area, and events space, and are adding or converting things daily toward some vague final goal. What we want are people, and their ideas, to help shape its overall purpose(s). A collective space needs collective action and decisions to grow.
It is not meant to be shiny and corporate. It is not meant to be individualistic and selfish. It is meant to be real and human and enjoyable to the type of people who enjoy real human connection. It is meant to be something we all keep adding to just to have it around, because the alternatives are not satisfactory, and if it goes well it will give back even more than we put in. It is meant to inspire innovation and creative solutions in a world of false convenience and binary thinking. It will not be for everyone, but it might very well be for you.
Join us if you please, and if you don't ... DO NOT START.