Got an Idea? Get in Touch!
Open Hoose at The Stove Cafe
Open Hoose is a unique opportunity for anyone with a community-focused idea in Dumfries to use our cafe venue space alongside the resources of the Stove team to launch self-initiated projects and events through the support of the Stove’s experience, space, and production skills.
“Open Hoose is all about growing and nourishing new enterprises, projects, or events in the heart of the High Street.”
What is it?
Open Hoose is a funded* project all about giving good ideas a chance to grow. So whether it’s a regular jam night, a bread club, banner-making group or book club, we want to offer our space, our team and our support to help launch community-based and/or cultural activity in the town, housed within the Stove Cafe. Activity can be a one-off evening or a regular slot, it’s up to you!
Think of it as ‘testing’ an idea. So if you’re not quite sure of the details yet, or even how it will all work out, that’s okay! Come talk to us, it might just be what we’re looking for.
Who can apply and what we’re looking for
This opportunity is available to anyone with a community-focused idea.
We want to hear ideas that have the potential to grow. Even if you’re not sure. Sometimes the best projects can come from even a passing thought. You may even have a project already on the go but could do with that extra bit of support.
When?
Activity will take place between January – March 2022.
How ideas will be chosen
There are no exact hard and fast rules to the Open Hoose project, and we want to keep an open mind to new ideas that come through our door. As a community organisation, we believe no one should face barriers to participating in new experiences and creative activity.
With that in mind, we’re particularly interested in ideas that work with, for and about our diverse communities be them of interest, place, or identity.
We think of Open Hoose as a ‘testing ground’ for new ideas, from pop-ups to enterprises, new community groups or arts activity that may well eventually lead you to your next big thing.
Selections will be made against the following criteria:
- The potential of the idea to grow and develop
- Its potential to bring people together
- Encourages people to try new things
- Helps to grow the vibrancy of the town centre as a diverse, community-centred and lively place to live, learn and take part in activities
Whilst every idea will be considered, unfortunately not every project will be taken forward due to the resources, timescale and current funding available though we will ensure to provide detailed feedback in every enquiry.
We’re particularly interested in hearing from groups and individuals we haven’t yet had the chance to work with.
What the project cannot support:
- Self – promotional and/or retail activity* (for eg: book launches, solo exhibitions, pop-up shops)
- Private events
- Corporate functions
- Party Political Activity
- Residency space* (for eg: private space for developing creative work)
All proposed activity should comply with the Stove’s values of inclusion, equality, and diversity.
Some examples of the type of activity the Stove has supported:
- Drawing For Enjoyment
- Doughlicious Bread Club
- High Street Writers
- Brave New Words
- DoonGamers
What do you get out of it?
Dependent on needs, The Stove can offer free use of our cafe space in the evening, staffing, marketing support alongside technical and production assistance, decided on a case-by-case basis. We may be able to offer some financial contribution towards materials or other costs. We’re looking for ideas with the potential to grow, within or out-with the Stove Cafe.
Interested? Fill out the short enquiry form below!
Got a question or want to sound your idea out? Give us a bell on 01387 252435 or email [email protected]
*Funding: Scottish Government: Investing in Communities Fund