Unpacking a popular wellness trend
DIY culture, a term and movement that emerged in North America post-World War II, has its roots in the Victorian era's crafting and making traditions in both Britain and America. This evolution showcases the enduring spirit of creativity and self-sufficiency that spans generations and continents.
Historian Carolyn Goldstein, in her extensive work on North American DIY, connects the practice to the resurgence of making and crafting inspired by the American Arts and Crafts movement. She offers a broad definition of DIY through the lens of "productive leisure" hobbies, particularly prominent in the 1950s.
Stephen Gelber, Professor and Chair of History at Santa Clara University, defines DIY as "anything that people did for themselves." In 1954, Time magazine dubbed ‘doing-it-yourself’ as the “new billion-dollar hobby” in North America.
By the late 1960s and into the 1970s, a distinct North American cultural identity emerged, embodied by DIY manuals that appealed to a countercultural audience. Many of these individuals were living in rural communes and embracing an alternative way of life.
One of the most iconic DIY manuals is Stewart Brand’s 'Whole Earth Catalog' (WEC). The WEC featured an extensive array of products and information on topics like education, religion, child-rearing, architecture, and building construction, all aimed at fostering a holistic and self-sustaining lifestyle for individual counterculturalists and their "extended families."
No matter your background or beliefs, DIY has always been about changing ourselves. Whether it's hard-working parents escaping office stress with some handy work, a family coming together over home projects, or a counterculture group bonding through communal living and self-reliance, DIY projects weave creativity into our lives and connect us all.
No matter the approach, DIY thrives on the fringes of urban and economic landscapes. It finds beauty in the margins, gaps, and cracks, celebrating the overlooked and underappreciated. This resourcefulness is beautifully documented in "zines" and other forms of grassroots art that capture the essence of the scenes.
Nowadays, digital spaces play a key role in the DIY movement. Videographers and DIY film companies gain massive views for niche bands, while record labels run online shops. Platforms like Bandcamp enable independent labels and artists to reach new audiences and secure financial support.
The true value of DIY actions lies in their role as a bridge between personal growth and societal development because by engaging in DIY, individuals contribute to both their own transformation and that of the communities they are part of. In other words: go outside and get involved!
Start by finding a unique venue, whether it's an abandoned warehouse, back garden, or office space, and transform it into your own cultural hub. With a bit of luck, these offbeat locations can become the birthplace of a vibrant scene, with arty bars and events popping up all around.
Ditch the safety net and dive into the spirit of the times. Take risks with fresh voices, explore the possibilities to express yourself and inspire others to do the same. Create something that feels thrillingly unscripted because everyone wants to be pleasantly surprised!
Form an amateur theater group and infuse it with raw, palpable energy, akin to the thrill of walking through a shadowy underpass at night. Make it resonate with the pulse of the city so that locals can feel that you're creating something extraordinary they should become a part of. Just be yourself!
Forget about naturalism, form, or even meaning, and simply celebrate theater's inherent artifice. Embrace the boundaries of the stage, no matter how cheap and small, and actively involve the audience to create a truly immersive DIY experience.
Commit to the long haul by forging strong ties with the local community. Invite people from your neighborhood to sit in on rehearsals, organize all-ages indoor or outdoor shows and events, and keep ticket prices affordable to foster meaningful connections and inclusivity.
Whatever kind of venue you're considering opening, aim to create a sense of community by showing that it benefits everyone. Whether it's audiences enjoying gigs or local businesses providing meals before shows or taxis home after, making people feel like they're part of something good will keep them coming back.
Supporting other members of the community is crucial and providing a stage for local artists is a reward in itself. You never know, one of them might become the next Taylor Swift or Kendrick Lamar! And when they do, you can proudly say you helped discover them.
You can enjoy dozens or even hundreds of live shows a year for free, connect with new and interesting individuals, and experience a diverse work life. All that while making a living, even if it's modest, and supporting your staff and the artists who perform at your venue.
A grassroots music venue (GMV) can be the cozy basement room beneath a pub, the community hall with blacked-out windows, or the converted Victorian swimming baths. Unlike uniform national chains, each GMV is as unique as the location and the people who run them, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.
If you have the desire and motivation to open a DIY venue, keep in mind that it can be almost anything you can think of: a hub of local activity, hosting comedy nights, theatre shows, arthouse film screenings, a place to meet and eat, or even a space for charity and community events.
Forget the typical big-screen venues—your DIY cinema should have character. Look for a place with soul, maybe even some quirky charm like grimy bathrooms and a fully stocked bar. The spirit of the venue will make your cinema event truly unique and memorable, and its intriguing program will be the cherry on top.
Your DIY cinema event shouldn't be just for hardcore film buffs or academy students—everyone should know about it! And don't rely solely on social media, get out there and plaster your DIY posters and stickers all over town. You have to make sure that your new cinema is the talk of the town.
These spaces offer a ready-made community of DIY artists and art enthusiasts, providing immediate audience engagement and feedback. They always foster collaboration and continuous learning, so it's best to research local artist collectives or cooperatives and reach out for membership or exhibition opportunities.
Pop-up galleries and exhibitions create buzz due to their temporary nature, attracting audiences eager for a unique and ephemeral experience. They provide an ideal DIY platform for creative freedom and experimentation. It's best to reach out to the local authorities with a proposal that outlines your DIY concept, artwork, and how the pop-up can benefit the community.
Exhibiting in cafes and bookstores introduces your art to everyday audiences, not just art enthusiasts, expanding your reach. These venues provide a relaxed environment for people to appreciate your work. Visit local cafes and bookstores with a prepared portfolio and pitch that shows how your work can enhance their space and attract customers.
Outdoor installations bring art to unexpected places, making it accessible to everyone. They can become local landmarks and greatly contribute to public art dialogue. For public installations or murals, reach out to local government or business improvement districts for permission, then propose how your art can enhance public spaces or strengthen community identity.
Virtual galleries offer a global reach without the limitations of physical space, time, or logistics. They are accessible to a wide audience, providing interactive experiences through technology. Use platforms like ArtSteps, or even better, create your own dedicated website!
Emerging artists often look for creative platforms to showcase their work, moving beyond conventional gallery systems. DIY spaces and alternative venues offer unique exhibition opportunities, enabling artists to directly connect with their audiences.
True to its name, a DIY space can spring up anywhere. Many people find the logistics of renting a permanent physical space daunting due to time and financial constraints. Therefore, it's often more practical to envision your community utilizing an existing space.
Underground DIY spaces can be safe havens for creative projects from individuals who might not feel comfortable sharing their work with the general public. Consider implementing a safer spaces policy: a declaration of the space’s values against oppressive language or behavior, including sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, and any form of discrimination.
Sources: (Exploration) (One Eye on the Road) (Architectural Histories) (The Guardian) (Cultivate)
DIY culture sprang to life when communities realized they had to take matters into their own hands. This movement encompasses everything from protesting against local construction to campaigning for equal rights for disabled individuals. At its core, DIY culture thrives on the ingenuity and imagination of the collective. From guerrilla art to lo-fi theatre and online collaborations, creative rebels across music, film, art, and theatre are breaking the rules and setting new trends.
Dive into the history of the DIY movement and check out the guide on starting your own DIY arts venue, gallery, film screening, or theatre group. Click through the gallery to get inspired!
DIY culture: what is it and how to do it yourself
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LIFESTYLE Underground
DIY culture sprang to life when communities realized they had to take matters into their own hands. This movement encompasses everything from protesting against local construction to campaigning for equal rights for disabled individuals. At its core, DIY culture thrives on the ingenuity and imagination of the collective. From guerrilla art to lo-fi theatre and online collaborations, creative rebels across music, film, art, and theatre are breaking the rules and setting new trends.
Dive into the history of the DIY movement and check out the guide on starting your own DIY arts venue, gallery, film screening, or theatre group. Click through the gallery to get inspired!