In todays episode of the Mt Noise Podcast I caught up with Richard Barnacle, who together with his partner Meg runs the Ōtautahi Christchurch based music venue, bar and pizzeria Space Academy.
Richard & I talk about the origin of Space Academy as it established itself post-earthquake, the search for alternative business models focused less on alcohol sales, and the stubbornness required to keep a venue up and running through recessions and pandemics.
We also chat about the community of people keeping the lights on from his partner Meg to his staff of musicians that make it possible for a venue like Space Academy to sustain itself.
Personally, I’ve been lucky enough to spend a lot of time at Space Academy, even before my migration to Ōtautahi, as an audience member, musician and promoter.
Among the many memorable nights Ive spent at Space Academy I’ve hosted ‘A Night With Pickle Darling’ at Space Academy in 2022, attended Better Living IRL (Melted Ice Cream) Festival and most recently performed the first show with my new band Glossamer.
Space Academy has always felt welcoming and comfortable to musicians and musicians lovers, something I believe is only possible when everyone involved in the project is a music fan themselves and this positive environment is a huge testament to both Richard & Meg and their hard work.
Anyone turning up at Space Academy will be greeted with good music, a great selection of beers, and an incredibly positive place to enjoy art.
As Richard references in our interview, a part of the motivation to keep this cultural space open is a fear that nothing would replace it should it disappear. Ultimately, the local music scene would be crippled without the constant hard work of Richard, Meg & the entire Space Academy team.
So if you’re in Ōtautahi permanently or just visiting, I highly recommend checking out Space Academy, getting a pizza and enjoying a taste of the real local music community.
There’s always great shows on, most are incredibly affordable and all directly support the artists, as well as the space.
If you want to be more involved in the music scene but aren’t sure whats happening week to week - make sure you subscribe to the Space Academy newsletter which gives weekly updates on the community as well as the gigs on across the week and into the future.
You can find the newsletter sign-up here
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