about our arts resource

plus some answers to questions you may have

What is this all about? 

Mutant space is a project. A resource, a co-op, in constant flux set up to question the current models of arts production in Ireland. Mutant space is not looking for answers. It’s primary aim is to question and re – examine how we create, develop and produce projects and events and provide practical resources that allow its members to participate in that process.  

Mutant space grew out of disillusionment with the arts in Ireland and the economic model in which it inhabited. It was a reaction to a cultural industry that has co-opted creativity and turned it into an economic resource, a marketing tool and a lifestyle accessory.

The project started with a simple question; how do you provide an alternative solution to the same problem? That is, how do you create a new model of production that supports people who want to produce work but don’t have the resources to do it?                         
 
In that question lay the foundations of this arts resource. From the beginning it was clear that to provide a viable alternative a completely new economic structure had to be built, an economic structure that functioned without money and relied on co-operation and mutual benefit. In September 2008 that economic structure was shaped into mutant space and went viral; an online arts resource based on the gift economy principle. Gift exchange and co -operative action rather than monetary exchange and bureaucracy.

Since then many aspects of this project have changed, have been put aside and as time moves on more will change as mutant space arts resource and its members continue to seek the right questions, examine their methods of production and create new work

Q: What is the aim of Mutant space arts resource?

Mutant space simply wants to provide people with the resources to create their own space for creative play

Q: How does the arts co - op work in different parts of the country?

Mutant space is a co-op system that can work anywhere. As a co-op it's very much about local groups and individuals helping each other develop and produce whatever arts projects they’re involved in. However, as its primary resources such as the bank, scrap store,forum, ezine and network are online, people in localities everywhere can use them whenever they want. What this means is that mutantspace arts resource has the potential to create independent co-op cells, in cities, towns and villages all over the country from Antrim to Cork and Mayo to Dublin and when we get the money, all over the world. The advantage of all this means that the co-op can be operated on a very local level, serving the interests of the local members, while at the same time linking them up to the entire national/international membership. Simply put, by starting small in our own backyard we can do anything so long as we pool our resources for the mutual benefit of each other. It’s not a big individual ask but by all of us giving a little we can create alot

Q: Don't these types of groups/collectives end up with much of the work being done by a few?

Mutant space is not a formal group nor is it a collective. It is a diy arts co-op made up of individuals and therefore is not reliant on holding endless meetings in order to make small decisions. Individual and group members work with each other when it suits them to do so and decisions are made between individuals working with each other, on projects, through the co-op. There will always be those who contribute more but that is a choice made by the individual

Q: How do you prevent people from taking advantage of the opportunity to access resources for their own benefit?

The arts co - op works on the basis of trust and mutual self interest. The more you do the more you get out of it. The members that develop more projects through Mutant space will benefit more. However, if a member is found to have posted a resources and skills list in order to take advantage of the trust given to them they will be found out and ejected from the co-operative

Q: You say that the principles of trust, co-operation and active participation are fundamental to the success of the co -op. Are you not being stupidly naive in thinking people want to help each other without looking for something themselves?

Whether we are stupidly naive or hopelessly optimistic the fact remains the same. We want to create an alternative to the mind numbingly boring, tedious, sanctimonious and consumption ravaged space we currently live in. To do that we need to take responsibility, work together, share, trust and co-operate. We hope that people get something out of the network for themselves. We don’t rely on altruism and collective harmony AT ALL.
We want an active, articulate, discursive space where people are interested in play, get excited by play and are enabled to play by taking advantage of the networks services. However, people must take responsibility and recognise that for everyone to get something out of the co-operative they must put something into it.
Bottom line: Whatever you put in you’ll get back alot more. Creating playful spaces means sharing and collaborating. That’s what it’s all about. You won't get anything else out of it- it'll just be a waste of your time. Besides, isn't it time we grew up and realised that self serving individualism isn't making us happier?

Q: Will Mutant space arts resource be producing its own collective projects?

Most definitely. In fact we already have (go to our ezine to check out what arts events we produced in our first year). It's important that members have a regular event, party, club, etc. The event will help establish Mutant space in the public arena as well as connect members up in real space. Infact we hope that we can develop regular events throughout our mutant world

Q: Is Mutant space opposed to profit making projects?

Mutant space is fine with profit – there’s nothing wrong with making a few quid and we all need to pay our bills - but it is NOT about profit. It’s about fun, play, imagination and creativity. However, if a project team sell tickets or goods at a mutant space event all the better for everyone involved

Q: How are you paying for this website?

Out of my own pocket. I did try and build this site myself but quite frankly putting a well designed and efficient website together is way beyond me and so I got experts to do it instead. And they did a great job. So if you find this site useful and get alot of play out of it and would like to help us improve the site, add in new services (such as an audio and visual gallery), market us all over the place, etc please let me know I'd much appreciate it

Q: How do you quantify the cost of funding in kind without it leading to arguments and bad feelings within the co -op?

You don't quantify it. That’s the first mistake. It’s the value of the contribution not the cost. This arts resource is about taking responsibility for your own space and helping others with theirs. However, it must not be forgotten that one of the core principals of the co-op is mutual trust and responsibility. It can be difficult to find the balance between give and take - especially living in the consumer society we all live in now - but that is part of the challenge and the learning process. We will all benefit from the lesson

Q: Do you have any advertising opportunities on this website? 

Yes, I certainly do as I'm constantly looking to raise funds so that I can maintain and improve this resource. There are two different size banner ad placements on every page; 468 x 60 and 160 x 600. So, if you're interested please contact me with your details and I'll send you on our very reasonable rate card

Q: Are there any guidelines on posting skills to the resource bank?

Give serious consideration to whether you're willing to share your time and arts resources with other members. It's a big commitment and there’s no point in wasting your time and other members time if you're not

Be realistic when posting your resources and skills into the bank. Be sure you're willing to share everything you're offering. Remember, putting a small amount of resources and skills towards collective use can make a huge difference

Please remember that once you have posted your resources up it will be assumed by other members that your resources are available within a period of 1 – 3 weeks of requesting that resource. If there are specific times, etc that you are not available please state them on your subscription form

The collection of scrap and the sharing of resources and skills is always decided by the interested parties through email. If there are any problems please contact us

It is important that you’re honest when posting up your resources list. There is no point in misrepresenting what you have to offer

Members receiving resources or sklls must pay for additional costs above what is being shared e.g. petrol costs, materials, etc

You can always add or take away from your own account as circumstances change. Mutant space arts resource is a fluid co-op and very aware of how circumstances change from day to day

The bank is not to be used as a rental agency or a buy and sell site

All potential members have something useful to give. Whether it stems from a hobby, an interest, special knowledge, or is simply an item you have lying around. What you think is worthless may play a critical part in another members project or may stimulate someone’s imagination. Everyone has part to play. It is important that you fully describe what your services or goods offered are as it is critical that no one is misrepresented in the bank

All bank information is strictly confidential. Please let me know if there are any problems with yourr use of the bank

Mutant space reserves right to dismiss any member who takes advantage of the trust given to them by the network

Q: I'm not sure what I could offer to become a member

Any useful service that could make a good contribution towards an event or project is acceptable. It could stem from a job, hobby, interest, talent or just from special knowledge you may have. Instructional services are also welcome as long as they contribute towards an actual event or project i.e. teaching someone basic production skills wouldn’t be appropriate however doing production for someone’s event would. If you're having difficulty thinking of a service to offer, feel free to contact us for advice. Our considered view is that everyone has something to offer in mutant space  

Q: Who pays the expenses incurred in providing a resource or skill?

The receiver of a resource pays all direct (out-of-pocket) costs that occur when another member provides that resource or skill. A photographer, for example, would charge for the film used, but not for their services, the depreciation of the camera, studio rental, or any other overheads

Q: How much detail do I need to give you in regards to my resources, skills and scrap?

The more details you can give the better as other members may need quite specific resources and skills e.g. specific sound and lighting gear, genres of music, theatre, art, food, sport, etc. The more accurate you are the better for the whole resource. Think of how important detail is to you. In relation to the scrap store detail is essential i.e. condition of scrap, make, type, size, etc

Q: How many resources should I offer?

Every member offers at least one resource or skill. Some members may list more (two would be the average). However many resources or skills you offer, you're protected by the weekly maximum number of hours that you stipulate when you join. That maximum applies to resources or skills you give but not to resources or skills you receive. In the case of artists, musicians, writers, etc it is important to remember that offering your resources i.e. paintings, gigs or writing as a skill does not count. however, offering your experience in curating, organising, programming, workshoping, etc, does

Q: While bartering works on a one-to-one basis how can I be sure it’ll work online?

This is not a barter system - it differs radically in that our members freely share their resources and skills; they don't have to "balance out" what they use against what they give. Members use as many listed resources and skills as they want, without limit, at any time.
Members are also protected with respect to their own time. Each new member stipulates a weekly maximum number of hours for which he/she is available. Members never give more time than they're comfortable with. However, there's no maximum applying to what a member can use

Q: How much time do I have to put in? What's the average?

You set your own weekly maximum. (See the previous question). There are no guidelines for setting that maximum, and averages are not meaningful, since there are too many variables (nature of the resource or skll, demand for the resource or skill, etc). Choose a number with which you're comfortable. Most members rarely meet their maximums. Having said all that a couple of hours a week is pretty measly. I'd suggest anything from 2 hours+ a week on average

Q: If nobody wants my resources or skills, can I still get a resource or skill?

Yes. However, that does not mean you can put down some esoteric resource such as badger tickling for membership purposes and then proceed to take advantage of the other members. It will be up to the discretion of mutant space whether or not your resources or skills are appropriate. Remember the primary function of this bank is to help people produce events so anything that can help in that aim is welcome

Q: Can I be sure the Bank information is correct?

I try to ensure that all resources and skills are regularly checked. Members are encouraged to let me know if there are ever any problems with the banks services. Please remember that this project is based on self governance, responsibility and trust. We’ll never get anywhere if we constantly take advantage of everybody at every turn. If a member misleads the membership and are found out they will be struck off

Q: What if a requested resource or skill interferes with a paid gig?

The paid gig always takes precedence. Please let the requesting member know of that possibility when the request is made. And don’t do it at the last minute try to give people good warning

Q: Can I offer resources or skills at a discount?

The short answer is no. However it might happen that a member who uses your skills might pass your details onto somebody else or might hire you for another job. For example if you’re a designer and another member uses your skills and is pleased with it you might gain more business through them. If you’re a band and you play for a mutant space project you may find that somebody at the gig wants you to play at another event, gig, festival, etc...

Q: What if I don't have time to meet my responsibilities?

You'll find that's not a problem. You control in advance the amount of time you'll devote, when you fill out the registration form. (You can even change your limit during the course of your membership). Most new members are surprised they aren't contacted more often

Q: How do I know I can obtain a resource or skill when the need arises?

Members are required to follow the membership rules. In summary, these rules obligate the members to provide their particular resource within a short period of time, usually a week, except in clearly defined circumstances. Members who don't take the rules seriously maybe removed from Mutant space arts resource 

Q: How does the scrap store work?

If you have any scrap or waste that you think will be of good use to anyone involved in a project please post it in the scrap store. As mentioned above details about the scrap is essential. The store is of great benefit to everybody and should be seen as a collective job. We should all proactively seek scrap and post it up. We do not have a warehouse system and therefore if you want scrap off another member you simply contact them privately through the site and arrange drop off and pick up times. It is important that those members who have had their scrap taken adjust their scrap lot, on their profile, as soon as they can in order to avoid confusion

Q: How much detail do I need to give you in regards to my scrap?

The more details you can give the better as other members will need to know what condition the scrap you have is in, what kind of material it is, make, size, type, etc....and so on. The more accurate you are the better for the whole resource. Think of how important detail is to you

Q: What happens if the person doesn’t drop the scrap off or if the scrap is different from what it was advertised as?

The mutant scrap store is a facility provided free of charge for members. It is up to members to be responsible and to treat every other member with respect. If that doesn’t happen the whole project is doomed. If you come across fictitious scrap or a member who is being disingenuous then please tell me and I'll check it out. If anyone is found to be taking advantage of the goodwill given to them they’ll be struck off

Q: What is your privacy policy?

We don't share any information about members or prospective members. Our complete policy is laid out here

Q: So how do I join?

Just click on the subscribe button and off you go. We hope this arts resource helps you play and that you enjoy helping us build a new, exciting, fresh and alternative creative economy.

the idea

what we care about

Active participation plays a fundamental part in our co-operative

We believe that transformative change can occur through the medium of participation

We achieve being through doing

We value creative co-operation and collaboration

We strive to promote and protect social networks, public spaces, works of art and methods of communication that promote such interaction

The best way to counter the cultural industry is to pool our resources and help each other realise a new creative alternative

The co - op is based on mutual trust and self interest. It is in every members interest to ensure that this trust is maintained. Without it everybody loses

We believe that by encouraging the sharing and gifting of resources we will recognise the true value of co-operation, community and creativity

Support of each others creative endeavours is critical for success

Anyone may be a part of mutant space arts resource and we do not differentiate between the artist and non-artist, professional or amateur

Mutant space arts resource is based on trust, mutual respect and a common agenda. Without that we are nothing

Not everyone in the co -op will be interested in participating in what everyone is doing all the time

The more you put into it the more you'll get out of it

This is all about creative play so let's keep it that way

The more people that get involved the more we can do so spread the word. We can do great things together

Remember that everyone can play. Anyone that wants to get involved in imaginative, playful and engaging projects. Anyone that's interested in;

gigscabaretsshowstheatreclubs circusinstallationsexhibitionsfilms workshopscomedyfestivals communityworkbooksphilosophy politicseducationreadingsculture runningcreativespacesfooddrink gardenspartiesgamesdrawing walkingwritingpoetrysportdesign magazinescomicspranks generalsilliness..............

Basically anybody that’s interested in being interested and doing interesting things that interest other people, basically