I usually try and keep this blog music focused but i can make a grasp at tying this to music.

I am part of a group opening a space called “the hub halifax”. In its simplest, it is shared office space. At its most ambitious it will literally be a hub for change within Halifax. A launch pad and connector for folks wanting to start new businesses, projects or bring about social change.

Having run a jam space for the past 3 years, I have had the opportunity to meet literally thousands of musicians, managers and so many others connected to music. And while the Rock Garden has served as a suitable place to do business, it can also be chatic, loud [no kidding huh!] and down right busy.

All making a looming deadline that much harder to meet.

But even with all the people around, when you remove the music component there are fewer folks around that might want to talk business, the latest technology or other such matters of interest to someone running a business.

Enter my desire for something like “the hub”. A place to work with like minded people, and work in a place with fewer distractions! I hope “the hub” literally becomes a hub for meeting the equivalent of the people I have meet in the music industry via the Rock Garden. If so it will certainly be a success for all involved. The space will also have meeting rooms and other amenities to help you do what you need to in “doing”.

The space is set to open on February1st 2009.

But we have a few things before then to deal with….

This Saturday = open hub | 2-4pm

Join us for an open hub at 1673 Barrington St. (2nd flloor) on Saturday December 6 from 2-4pm. Its a chance: to get a “tour” of the hub in its raw unformed state; to hear a bit more about unique offering of co-working/meeting/social space and stories from hubs around the world to share your ideas about what you need in a hub; and connect with people in Halifax who are also interested in co-working.

We’ll be giving out door prizes of hub day passes and there will be a raffle for ONE MONTH FREE hub in-between membership (50 hours) and ONE FREE YEAR-LONG hub connection membership (30 hours/month).

Memberships

Disclaimer: A lot of the following should be taken with a grain of salt. But not the part where I want you to make me look good and “win”.

So we are also seeking members now. As being the only partner from the arts, I feel I have to make sure anyone I bring in is far “cooler” than the members my partners sign up [they all come from non-profit and consulting backgrounds!! C’mon I can't lose to them can I! Boring!!]. However, I think I am already losing this battle! So please help me.

I have made a friendly wager with the others that I can find 5 folks that they will all unanimously want to be part of “the hub”. Because you yet to be found 5 will be so exciting, and on the ball and just doing stuff that we’ll pick up on the energy and that will fuel us and the whole place just becomes an amazing ball of energy. Sorry, positive energy.

To become an unlimited member there is actually a selection committee [to prevent overloading the membership with any one group/profession/etc., and to ensure a general good mix of folks from different backgrounds, professions and to ensure we’re getting positive folks, dark clouds and psychic vampires need not apply!!].

So even I cannot promise you will be selected, especially if you are the ninth graphic designer to apply, so apply soon. Solely for my own pride as a result of me opening my mouth!

But if I can find 5 up-starters, people doing things, looking to make things happen – well I think we will all make something big happen in the new year!

The cost for an Unlimited membership is $416+tax/month [there are a few ways to get a bit of a discount though....]. And while the use of the space is unlimited, the number of these memberships we have is not.

Any questions/comments, use the comments below or email me at rob.macarthur@the-hub.net

Know you want in? Here’s the online application. Undecided/considering it, here are some benefits [PDF file] of membership with us.  Very excited to see who I will be working around in the New Year and what we can accomplish in 2009!

Related posts:

1. NSCC Brings Music Business to The Hub
2. Seeking Beta Testers for IOUmusic.com, new donation/fan funding site

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