Surviving Covid-19 and Why Grow Needs to be Part of the Recovery

What next for Grow? We believe our experiment can provide vital learnings and play a part of a ‘blueprint’ as we navigate a climate emergency, inequality, political instability and the devaluation of art and music. But, we need to document and survive. How can you help?

WHY GROW?
Over 6 years ago, we set out to experiment how a business can choose to operate ethically driven by people and planet, rather than profit. And we wanted to make music, art and community at its heart. This has been quite a rollercoaster and like so many in our communities, we’ve faced many challenges: austerity, gentrification and redevelopment of the local area, and substantial rental increases. Now we all face surviving Covid-19 and the Government’s response to it.

We’re so proud that with a determined team (past and current) and support of so many people, Grow has (i) stayed solvent (ii) worked with artists, community groups and charities offering free space on a profit-share model (iii) redirected significant sums of finance from multinationals into local and ethical businesses (iv) fundraised for local social and environmental charities (vi) created conditions for fun, inclusivity, transparency and a sense of belonging. Our financial independence went further than self funding. Since the beginning, we’ve paid London Living Wage as minimum; sourced locally and ethically where possible whilst keeping prices competitively low; used eco-electricity; upcycled/recycled/minimised waste; and hosted free events.

We’ve been committed to challenge financial barriers and extend opportunities so more people can enjoy a creative and nurturing environment . Also, some of you might not realise Grow is part of Grow Studios, creative home for over 12 years to hundreds of artists, musicians, SME and social entrepreneurs, many of whom supply us with products and/or frequent the music and arts space. Being part of a local economic ecosystem means we play an essential financial lifeline to many.

Previous to Covid 19 we hosted 5-6 events per week, providing income to artistic partners and sound engineers. We are also a local employer. Our commitment to London Living Wage has provided income supporting those (i) in higher education (ii) forming art/music collectives and (iii) working on personal creative projects. Harder to value, is the skill sharing, mentoring, training and development. Our community partners include local enterprises who create products out of organic, community grown and/or waste produce/ingredients. As a busy bar, we celebrate their products and they rely on us as key stockists. Local artists, sustainability startups and social justice groups have made use of the space to sell at our markets, host fundraisers, meetings and workshops Our music and art programme is as exciting as it is diverse. Bringing together local, emerging and international talent and providing a space for collective collaboration which gives everyone who comes through the doors a good time. We facilitate at a grassroots level, giving space to those who may not have a platform. We cooperate and share profits made from events. Financials are transparent, creating an innovative sharing economic model. This all comes hand-in-hand with our commitment to environmental sustainability.

WHAT NEXT? HOW YOU CAN HELP?

UNDERSTAND THE THREAT TO MUSIC/ART SPACES
As a member of the Music Venue Trust (MVT), we have been working as part of a united front of all grassroots venues to better understand the impact of Covid-19 on music venues and whats needed in order to survive. This includes signing the ‘MVT Open Letter to the Government’ calling for Government financial support. Without it, we will lose a huge number of music venues over the course of 2020, including Grow.
Share this letter and find out more about the #SaveOurVenues campaign on the MVT website.

BOOK YOUR TABLE THIS SUMMER
We've been busy reorganising and reimagining our offer and space so we can welcome you back to our canal side garden terrace this summer.
Book your table today and help support us continue to trade safely.

GROW AT HOME
We’re grateful to have received the Emergency Respose Fund from Arts Council England to help cover the threat of immediate closure and to reimagine our digital presence by hosting a series of free events online called ‘GROW AT HOME’. This digital program celebrates our partners and the types of events we would normally run at Grow. The series will help Grow’s existing communities stay connected; continue to collaborate, learn and boost wellbeing, as well as reach new audiences.
Best of all you can participate from home - Find out more at Grow at Home

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK OF GROW
Before lockdown, we had just started working with the Future Venture’s Foundation and the Radical Arts Fund to research the impact of Grow in a non-quantitive way. We want to pick this up now and would love to hear your thoughts on how we can tease out what we do best - so we can learn and share about how music, art and community at a local level can have a significant and positive effect for people and planet.
Share your photos or post selfie-style short film on Grow’s Instagram with hashtag #growis in your comments and share what Grow is to you.

ASK US TO HELP YOUR ENTERPRISE
Our vision is to change the way society operates - with a focus on ethical business and communities. We can offer expertise and experience and tangible tactics to help your community enterprise, creative space on how to ethical business, communication and engagement strategies. Get in touch. Just email jordanna@growhackney.co.uk and we’ll get back to you.