Reflections on the opening of Empty Shop HQ Apologies this has been so long coming. Words can’t really describe the speed with which the last month or has passed. I’d originally intended this piece to be about the opening, a kind of review but I realise now that a little background info might add a touch of colour to proceedings… We originally viewed the property that is now Empty Shop HQ for the first time in May 2009. After months of purgatory; locked in discussion, negotiation and administration over taking on our new venue, we finall.

Well, title says it all really – I took this is before we painted HQ… I kinda miss the blue now.

As a lot of you know, we had the grand opening of our HQ about 2 weeks ago with an event that took over the whole building. That show is now finished and Empty Shop HQ is now turning into a working building. On that note we have 2 studio spaces left and we are opening these up to you guys. We currently have 7 spaces occupied covering a variety of different disciplines and interests and we are looking for 2 new people who can bring something interesting into the dynamic. more than just a studio… We are looking for people who want to be ac.

Hello everyone. I’m currently sat in the library, Carlo has just gone through how to post a ‘freebird’ blog with me so I’m trying it out now. I’ve been in the new HQ quite a lot since the grand opening and it’s great to see the studios are gradually taking shape…They are actually starting to look like studios! Sophie seems to have set up her space nicely and James has even started some new paintings!!! Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to start any of my own work yet… Me and NickÂ.

‘One Flew Over the Coffee Cup’ is one of the long list of exciting, independent, D.I.Y things happening in Durham at the moment. It seems people are bored with not having what they want and bored of waiting for it to happen. There’s a whole host of people ‘doing it themselves’ and for a brilliant example look no  further than this. ‘…the Coffee Cup’ is a monthly effort by a swell bunch of people collectively known as The Equestrian Collective and offers the following: - Zapatista Coffee! - A .

Well, waiting on the internet connection in the new HQ is becoming a real pain – especially since I’m in between houses and my parents couch doesn’t seem to have wi-fi. So, until AOL decide to send us the router my net access is somewhat limited. The reason I’m rambling about this is that there are a few exhibitions opening tonight and I would have liked to have posted this sooner so apologies for that. Anyway, on the off chance that you read this and can get through to Newcastle tonight you could check these out.

later today I’m taking time out to train for an 11 a side game of ‘Punk Rock Football’ ( I know). Basically it’s Durham vs Newcastle and the teams are made up of people who are involved in or support the D.I.Y/grass roots arts & music scenes. The most interesting part is that we can only kind of play football and even that’s debatable! “COME ON AND WIN YOU DURHAM PLAYERS” …or something

Check out the new video added to the video showcase y’all. The videos display randomly in the sidebar of every page so browse a few pages or refresh until you see it.  There are still 3 spots available for this round in the showcase. To see how you can submit your video, and get info on the current videos,  click here Enjoy!

If any of you couldn’t make the opening or were there but want another look at the exhibitions then drop us an email and we’ll give you a full private tour. The exhibitions still on show until Saturday are: The 2nd Annual Empty Shop Open Toby Lloyd’s Re:Roll Original wall drawings by The Cloud Commission Also stay tuned for a full review of the event which is coming sooooon

The launch last night was amazing and it’s all a bit of a blur to be honest. I’ll come back and write something more substantial in few days when I have had time to reflect but for now I just want to say a massive thanks to everyone that helped out over the past three weeks, this couldn’t have happened without you guys. Big shout out to out to The Freebirds who went above and beyond the call of duty and to our pink lanyards team for doing a great job last night. Also a huge thanks to all the artists who were involved, we are.