As a co-operative we believe it is important to encourage and inspire, share the knowledge we've picked up along the way and demonstrate to others how to set up a co-working co-op.
In 2008, Hulme-based filmmaker Damien Mahoney was commissioned by OpenSpace to document the co-operative's establishment.
His work tells the story of OpenSpace through informal interviews with members. He aims to represent the ethos of those members and their reasons for choosing the co-operative model of work and organisation. As well as demonstrating how a co-working co-op can be initiated and work successfully, the films record members’ hopes and experiences.
In addition to interviews, Damien shot footage within the work space and included material from the Work For Change building including tenants such as Ethical Consumer, Kim By The Sea, Source Unknown, XTrax and Venture Arts.
Damien believes it is important to document the Homes For Change building, "Because it is the residence for some OpenSpace members and because it illustrates the unique mixed use design of the building and the co-operative nature of its management".
To complete this wider context, Damien shot a small amount of material around Hulme. He believes the area is an important element in the existence and the nature of OpenSpace, and thus should feature within stories about it.
The completed videos can be viewed here.
