Creative hub blooms in old Sallies store
From a condemned building in Wellington’s Newtown suburb, artist Caron Dallas is giving passers-by a glimpse into how to make art out of old books.
She’s one of 15 artists who have turned the former Newtown Salvation Army store, on the corner of Rintoul and Colombo streets, into a thriving hub of artists known as the Bloom Collective.
The collective was started three months ago and brings together artists, musicians and creative-minded people in the former family store. The group has been offered rent-free use of the space until a demolition date is set early next year and the site is redeveloped.
Former Kia Ora Newtown and WCC community liaison adviser Ray Tuffin helped bring the Bloom Collective together and said the group was founded in response to the ‘‘changing face of Newtown’’.
‘‘Bloom is really a wellness centre, not just for those who are unwell but also for those who are isolated. Hopefully, the success of this will create another space in the future for us.’’
The collective also wanted to foster a community environment to tackle mental health, addiction issues and isolation.
It’s been a labour of love for the group, with members making improvements to the space, such as building a practice stage and setting up a recording studio out the back. The space was officially opened last month.
Rock Academy director Geoff Day had led the charge in setting up the music studio in the old store and making it kid-friendly after losing his regular practice space this year.
He started his music school almost 20 years ago and took on other guitar teachers to meet demand – at one point he worked with 25 other teachers.
Today he runs mobile music lessons and holiday programmes for students from ages 10 to 16.
‘‘We talk to them about what it is to be a successful musician. They go out at lunchtime busking, then group work and learning in the afternoon.’’
He said he enjoyed the fact it provided work for the community and offered students a creative outlet but finding a stable practice location had proven difficult over the years.
The Bloom Collective relies on community support and a grant from Wellington City Council.