All posts by Araceli

Our Interest In Rwanda

By Araceli On June 22, 2012 In Blog With 1 Comment Permanent Link to Our Interest In RwandaPermalink

It’s an interesting devision to categorise countries as developed or developing. Are we not all developing? Surely that is the purpose of innovation. We innovate to develop. Furthermore these countries that we in the west patronisingly call ‘developing’ are doing extraordinary leaps, not just in terms of economics but in human development. Imagine the kind of mental prowess it takes to pull an entire community from the depths of poverty.  What kind of innovation and tools would you have to create to start something from nothing?

Why wouldn’t you find it despicable to live in this situation? Why should we be a country that depends on other people? What’s wrong with us? Why do we live off other people’s money, off the taxpayers of other countries? How can it be that people who lived in this country two hundred years ago were better off than we are today? What happened? We are descendants of people who stood up and fought for their rights. We have been put in a position of being despised, of being held in contempt. We don’t deserve that, and we have within ourselves what we need to stand up to these challenges.

Paul Kagame – President of Rwanda

These countries do not need yet another huge NGO telling them what do, sending another food package, or even setting up a human rights campaign. They need a community behind them, which is willing to give them tools and resources they need. The emphasis should be on them, what they need, what is good for them, not what we think is good.

We have to work on the minds of our people. There is nothing to be complacent about. We are poor, and being poor is bad. If being pushed hurts, it cannot hurt as much as poverty, as much as being hungry and sick.

Paul Kagame – President of Rwanda

Rwanda is a nation that has picked itself up from one of the worst genocides in our current history and it has done it with pride, purpose, and compassion. President Kagame is actively infiltrating his people’s perspective, working on their minds: instructing them to say no to corruption, be useful to their communities, have pride in their appearance, and to push set visions that are inconceivable. This dictation is critiqued as a tunnelled vision, however it is setting the environment for stability, which will lead to innovation, which will lead to creation of a healthy economy.

The vision is for members of THECUBE and WECREATE NYC to contribute to the global community that we are all apart of, and to innovate with awareness and openness. We came to Rwanda to be inspired, learn, and to contribute to the creation of nation.

About THECUBE

THECUBE is an innovation space in East London.

A Conversation Between New York & London

By Araceli On June 7, 2012 In Blog With No Comments Permanent Link to A Conversation Between New York & LondonPermalink

THECUBE has partnered with Digital Dumbo and UKTI to host a unique event that  will bring together 100 of New York and London’s most innovative digital and technology companies together in one space.

The event will take place at THECUBE’s charming Spitalfield’s home in East London, providing a platform for this exciting gathering of diverse businesses in an environment designed to encourage conversation, innovation and further evolve relationships and collaborations between London and New York.

The objective is to stimulate conversation about how digital technologies will catalyse a new global economy. Especially now that the economy is rapidly changing from one of “processing atoms to processing bits,” disrupting full industries and transforming the global marketplace, we think it’s important to get to know communities of digital thought leaders and innovators around the world to stay ahead of this evolution.

This unique partnership came about through WECREATE NYC, which is the sister space to THECUBE. We noticed an opportunity to start a dialogue and collaboration between the two cities as they are both facing similar economic challenges plus both have a lot of innovation to offer.

20th June
7:30-9:30pm
@THECUBE

Brooklyn Comes To London

By Araceli On April 27, 2012 In Blog With No Comments Permanent Link to Brooklyn Comes To LondonPermalink

Wednesday
20th June 2012
@THECUBE
7:30-9:30pm

THECUBE  has partnered with Digital Dumbo and UKTI to bring 50 of the most interesting digital and technology companies from New York.

As our  space in NYC continues to grow we are looking to create a stronger relationship between the two cities. Especially now that the global economy is rapidly changing from one of “processing atoms to processing bits,” disrupting full industries and transforming the global marketplace, we think it’s important to get to know communities of digital thought leaders and innovators around the world to stay ahead of this evolution.

Digital DUMBO, New York City’s premier community of thought leaders in digital media and technology, is coming to London. Digital DUMBO was founded in 2009 as a networking party for the DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) neighborhood of Brooklyn, an area with a high concentration of innovative companies and start-ups, similar to East London and Shoreditch. Now, we’re working to better connect digital communities everywhere.

Event Details

dd:London will feature a panel discussion on the importance of paying attention to and understanding the global digital economy and conclude with a networking after party, giving companies from New York and London the opportunity to get to know one another.

The event will take place on June 20th at THE CUBE in Shoreditch and coincide with Le Web’s first appearance in London on June 19th and 20th.

Take part in this dialogue and join Digital DUMBO, a global community of digital thought leaders.

Format

Panel Discussion on Global Digital Economy: 6:30-7:30pm BST (Select guests only due to limited space)

Networking After Party: 7:30-9:30pm BST (Open to All)

Panel

Dale Barnes, Director of Advanced Technologies and Innovation, Virgin Media

Nathalie Nahai, Web Psychologist

Alison Coward, Director, Bracket Projects

Shawnee Keck, Economist, Hackney Council

Araceli Camargo, Founder, THECUBE London & WECREATE NYC

Andrew Zarrick, Founder, Digital Dumbo

About THECUBE

THECUBE is an innovation space dedicated to creating partnerships, a dynamic and diverse community, and promoting sustainable enterprise.

Sponsors and Partners
www.ouryclark.com
UKTI

How Culture Influences Art by Elisa Jane Carmichael

By Araceli On April 2, 2012 In Blog With 1 Comment Permanent Link to How Culture Influences Art by Elisa Jane CarmichaelPermalink

PRIVATE VIEW

3rd of May 2012
6:30-8:30pm
@THECUBE

We are incredibly privileged to have such an amazing artist showing at our space. Elisa Jane Carmichael is a true original and we asked her to give us her opinion on how culture influences art.

I create art to express myself and share my culture with the rest of the world. I think its important to share my families dreamtime stories, life and other cultural aspects with others so they can gain knowlegde of the past and celebrate our ways of life.  Art allows the viewer to see new concepts on the world we live in. It is important for everyone to have an understanding of the many different cultures and diversity within cultures.

I am a descendant of the Ngugi people from Quandamooka country salt water people off the south east coast of Queensland, Australia, Moreton and Stradbroke Island. Many people have never heard of this place. I am sharing our beautiful island with them. I like to demonstrate in my art my family’s connections with the land – mother earth and sea, the animals, methods of survival and respecting the environmental conditions.  There are many dreamtime stories that need to be shared and I like to capture some of these stories in my art.

In Aboriginal art alone, there are many different art forms depending on which part of the land you come from. Each part of Australia has many urban, rural and remote communities and the art reflects on which area the artist is from. Each part of the land also depicts different dreamtime stories. There is Urban art, Central Australian Art, Traditional Art, Contemporary Art etc. The cultures are displayed in these different art forms but we all connected as one.

About THECUBE

THECUBE is an innovation space for entrepreneurs, we bring in artist to help change the space and expose our members to up and coming artists.

About THECUBE Innovation Space

By Araceli On March 29, 2012 In Blog With No Comments Permanent Link to About THECUBE Innovation SpacePermalink

THECUBE is an innovation space and workspace in the heart of Shoreditch. Our purpose is to create a healthy community of entrepreneurs who can both work on their individual projects as well as work collaboratively on interesting projects.

We provide members with a beautifully designed space that is conducive to innovation, productivity, and collaboration.

THECUBE is a space that makes you feel good and when you feel good you come up with better ideas – scientific fact!

So far we have been collaborating with Virgin Media Business and with an amazing NGO called Khulisa.

The Way We Work

1.Entrepreneurs join THECUBE on a membership basis.
2. We ask for potential members to come by the space for an interview & tour.
3. Once the application is accepted, we begin to connect you with other members & external community.
4. We use the orientation meeting to understand how you think and begin to change thought patterns. Business is about two things, people and being a great problem solver.
5. We help buffer entrepreneurial growing pains by connecting you, promoting your business, giving you problem solving tools, & business knowledge.
6. As part of the community offering, we encourage members to host lunches, attend events, and collaborate with other members.
7.  We look forward to being begin part of your enterprise journey.

Are You A CUBER?

  1. Are you looking for an inspiring space to work and find collaborators?
  2. Are you curious of mind and open?
  3. Do you want to create a business that is interesting & inspiring?
  4. Do you want to create a better economy?
  5. Do you want to be part of change?
  6. Do you have an interest in how your brain works & its potential?

Not a CUBER?

If you are looking for just an office space, please visit our other friends like Techhub, The Trampery, or Central Working.

Finding Your Treasure With Steve Edge

By Araceli On February 15, 2012 In Blog With 1 Comment Permanent Link to Finding Your Treasure With Steve EdgePermalink

THECUBE is incredibly excited to be hosting a talk with designer, Steve Edge. He will be speaking about the importance of finding what you love. If you truly love what you do and you are good at it – you have “Found Your Treasure”.

What is really inspiring about Steve is that he lives his life with absolute gusto.  He started with a fishing pole  & paint brush, progressing to working with George Lucas & Steven Spielberg to now being one of the most influential designers in the UK – all through having found his treasure. His story is fueled by the fact that he is a local East End boy and  a true dandelion child.

We asked Steve to talk about how he found his treasure and how he has been able to hold on to it…..it’s definitely a unique way of living life!

Finding Your Treasure
22 February 2011
6:30 – 8:00 ( then drinks at the Commercial Tavern )

About THECUBE

THECUBE is an innovation space in East London and we are now working on giving our members events that will inspire them.  As inspiration is the full for innovation and growth.

Private View: Art For Environmental Change

By Araceli On February 13, 2012 In Blog With No Comments Permanent Link to Private View: Art For Environmental ChangePermalink

THECUBE is incredibly excited to be presenting the next artist to the space. Shamas Bedi is a recent graduate, who combines his art with environmental efforts, we asked to write about how art can help communicate conservation efforts….his story is below.

Private View
1 March 2012
6:30-8:30
@THECUBE

Here we are. Cells in this pumping organism we call Earth, our home.

We call her home, yet millions of us are still ignorant to the damage that our ‘home’ faces every single day. Now if the 6.5 billion people on Earth suddenly realised how much destruction is caused to the environment daily, then we could prevent ourselves from going down the perilous road we are accelerating on at present. If not, it will be too late within this next century.

Our planet has a miraculous yet fragile ability to support life, and this life is comprised of microscopic bacteria, to 200 tonnes of Blue Whale. Sometimes we forget that we are not alone on this planet, we are all connected. If the Earth is envisaged as an organism, the multiplicities of life are the cells within this organism, keeping it living and breathing. However, if humans continue to mindlessly consume whatever sources that remain, we will reach the point of no return. To be sustainable is to meet our current needs without jeopardising the future of the next generation, and what better way to communicate these problems then the use of Art and Design. Taking action on these issues single handedly would be almost impossible, but to communicate and create awareness about sustainability to the masses is a much wiser force to be reckoned with. Producing visually aesthetic images doesn’t always have to be to sell material goods, but can also be used to send a powerful message. To enrich the knowledge for the youthful generation of artists, that will then be inspired from a younger age to help the Earth and the life on it.

The power of design is underestimated. Design around the world is now slowly transforming, and people are beginning to realise how we can help the environment, rather than destroy it through thoughtless deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels. We share the Earth with thousands of species of plant and animal life, and as a higher being it is our duty to save them and maintain this responsibility for our future generations.

Visually communicating sustainability is not a simple task. However if done successfully, can be one of the strongest, if not the strongest tool for a campaign against global warming. To create an image that has an important effect on the viewers’ perception is the first step for a change in their lifestyle. It is the environment as a whole which we have to think about, and all the creatures within it. For if we are to eliminate a species from the system, others species will surely be affected, including ourselves. This is an exhibition of an evolution. How from it’s playful, humble beginnings, ones art begins to form a sense of purpose. The passion and skill that has developed, provides the opportunity to spread the thoughts and raise awareness about what one really wants to help achieve; a safer, more creative Earth.

About THECUBE

THECUBE is an innovation space in East London and we sponsor emerging artists. The art is curated by how it affects innovation within the space as well as having an intelligent commentary.

I am London Private View

By Araceli On February 1, 2012 In Blog With No Comments Permanent Link to I am London Private ViewPermalink

23rd February 2012
6:30-9:00
@THECUBE

Studio 5
155 Commercial Street
E1 6BJ

THECUBE London is pleased to announce ” I am London”, an exhibition of photography, illustration, and graphic design that looks at describing what it is to be a young Londoner.  The images are those from the collective of young artist using their work to explore, respond, describe and answer questions and problems facing everyday in London. This group of artist is a mixture of those born and raised in London and those having only moved here a few years ago.

Shoreditch Fringe 2012

By Araceli On January 31, 2012 In Blog With 1 Comment Permanent Link to Shoreditch Fringe 2012Permalink

We are excited to announce that  the guys at Idea Generation are putting the first fringe festival in East London. It is a great idea to bring together all of the diversity and richness of the area. They  will have over 100 leading cultural organisations and businesses – from Vice & Village Underground through to Hackney Empire & Hackney Council – have joined together in support of the development of a Shoreditch Fringe Festival for the Summer of 2012.

Inspired by the spirit of the pioneers of the original Edinburgh Fringe festivals, the aim for the Shoreditch Fringe is to have an impact beyond both the borough and 2012 – creating an enduring legacy to build audiences for arts & culture.

For programmers, the Shoreditch Fringe will provide a framework & platform from which to promote their events to audiences; fast-track applications to the council; and share ideas with other venues & promoters – with all registration fees being directed toward the marketing & support of the programme.

For audiences, the Shoreditch Fringe will provide a hub of easy-to-access information, ideas & tickets – enabling them to explore the beating cultural & creative heart of London.

The resulting programme will be an all-inclusive 100 day cultural festival (from the Queen’s Jubilee super-bank holiday weekend on 1st Jun through to the end of the Paralympic Games on 9th Sep), showcasing all that the creative heart of London has to offer during the Summer of 2012.Preparing For The Biggest Cultural Event In London’s History

“The idea for the Shoreditch Fringe came from a group of local galleries, bars & businesses” comments spokesperson Auro Foxtrot, “all of whom were independently developing their own ideas to engage and entertain the crowds that will be in town for the 2012 celebrations next summer.”

“Instead of working independently, the Fringe can enable us to work together. We hope to bring the entire community together, creating a focal point around which everyone can share ideas, co-programme and make some noise.

“For a small registration fee, we aim to provide more than fringe benefits – a mixture of support, advice, networking, marketing and publicity.

“Reflecting the DIY DNA of the borough, the Shoreditch Fringe will be open to any type of event from across the creative & cultural spectrum – visual art, music, comedy, cabaret, craft, literature, poetry, food, film, theatre, dance, digital, design and debate.

“And in keeping with the spirit of the spectrum of 2012 celebrations, this rich variety of events will cater for every type of audience – local and London-wide; national & international; children & adults; experimental & mainstream.”

Registration Now Open

“We put the idea of a fringe to a small network of local businesses a few weeks ago – and the response was one of unanimous & overwhelming interest & excitement; within a month have attracted over a 100 supporters already working together to develop their programmes.

“We’re now opening it up to the community at large to ensure that there is sufficient demand for the idea before aiming to press the green button in January.

“The network is now open – at www.yammer.com/shoreditchfringe – and all venues, programmers and artists interested in participating are encouraged to sign-up before December 23rd. Get involved now!”

More than Fringe Benefits

A not-for-profit venture, the Shoreditch Fringe aims to provide benefit the broadest possible number of groups over both the short & longer term:

For Venues & Programmers:

- High profile online platform from which to promote their venue – Marketing & PR campaign support – Direct advice & fast-track processing for applications from Hackney Council – Networking & introduction opportunities via online community & special events – Long term, deeper community ties

For Visitors to London:

- Clear information straight from the heart of London’s cultural hub – Ideas across the spectrum of arts & entertainment – Simple ticketing process & special offers – Additional ideas & suggestions to visit the rest of London & the UK – A more varied & enjoyable visit to London & the UK

For Creative Community:

- Audience development & marketing support – A case-study template for community programming – A platform for London-wide collective marketing – The development of a legacy nation-wide fringe database

Looking Ahead At 2012

By Araceli On January 1, 2012 In Blog With No Comments Permanent Link to Looking Ahead At 2012Permalink

Dear CUBERS,

We are excited about what is ahead for the year 2012! Firstly we would like to thank you for choosing THECUBE once again to be part of  your entrepreneurial journey.

Over the last two years THECUBE has built its reputation on housing an exceptional entrepreneurial community, this is something we would like to continue to foster as well as create new ways to collaborate and innovate.

Looking Ahead
1. Virgin Innovation Lab: We will start with PLATYPUS to begin our rapport with the Virgin brand. This will bring new and interesting opportunities to the members. This partnership will showcase for the first time how corporations can collaborate and nourish entrepreneurial communities like THECUBE.

2. Pro Bono Projects: To continue building on THECUBE’s community we will be working with charities and NGO’s, who are creating an impact in their fields. The first one is Khulisa, who brought down the crime rate in South Africa and now is building their brand in the UK. The role of THECUBE will be to help these NGO’s & charities on a pro bono basis with strategy, branding, and digital media. We believe that we are now in a position as a business and community to create a strong and unique CSR platform.

3. International Collaborations: We are looking forward to creating projects which will bring NYC together with London as well as announce our partnerships with entrepreneurial communities in Dubai, Hong Kong, and Rwanda.

4. Inspiration: If THECUBE were a person it could not be faulted for its intellectual abilities and nerdiness, however this year we want to bring more inspiration to the space. Telling the story better, bringing inspirational speakers to the space, and sharing more CUBER stories.

We wish our entire CUBER community a prosperous, happy, and fulfilling 2012.

Thank You.

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