Nelson’s DIY arts hub rewriting the rules

On Bridge Street, where art and commerce collide opposite the Court Buildings, an exciting new space has been quietly gaining momentum. Hosting gigs, comedy, art, games nights, films and all kinds of independent expression, it’s a multi-generational hub that blends scenes and radiates co-operation, optimism and collectivism. Alan Proctor-Thomson, one of the driving forces behind it, shares more about WAA! with Justin Eade.

Alan, a designer and video artist, says the name ‘WAA!’ stands for Whakatū Arts and Action, but the club also like the sound ‘WAA!’ because it’s like a scared excitement – you’re not quite sure about it, it’s fun, but perhaps a bit messy too.

The club came about organically, as people really wanted this space, says Alan. “I’ve got friends in different scenes… the music and arts scenes, the activist scene and the community work scene, and we’re all just in our own separate buildings and silos and we all say ‘wouldn’t it be better if we had a place that supported more community and more solidarity.’”

Read More: https://www.topsouthnow.co.nz/news/6a2a011ea811a1fe181640af

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