Finding Community in Austin
We really like talking to members about what draws them to coworking. For the most part, people who join Createscape are looking for a place to work outside of their home. Most of our members are contract workers and freelancers. But we also have members who are employed by large and small companies all over the world. In some instances, employers cover the membership fee for their employees in lieu of opening and maintaining an office here in Austin.
And then we have small companies that rent a private office or just work as a group at the general-coworking tier. Outside of having a work space away from home, one of the biggest draws to joining a coworking community is the ability to socialize with other professionals. And planning networking events happens to be one of our specialties!
Right now, we have about four happy hour and morning hangout events per month. Both meetups are really popular with members looking for professional networking opportunities in Austin. But our members like to have fun, too! So we also organize movie nights, mid-day craft sessions, ice cream socials and holiday potluck meals. We also dip our feet into organizing major events, too. Last spring we ran a craft market in our expansive side yard and parking lot. Dozens of artisans and sellers displayed their wares, from handmade jewelry to soaps, ceramics and screen-printed tees.
At our happy hour events, you'll find a mix of full-time members and community members
At our happy hour events, you'll find a mix of full-time members and community members
To get an idea what our events are like, check out these Q&As with two staff members who run and host Createscape events, Keller Davis and Vana Ash.
Keller Davis, Createscape Founder & Movie Night Curator
How do you pick movies for Movie Night?
I try to pick movies that I think will be crowd pleasers, and especially conducive for an outdoor viewing experience. So I look for blockbuster-style movies. One of our most popular movie nights was when we screened E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.
Do you take movie requests?
We have polled members on what they wanted to see. One month, Beetlejuice won out. I'm very open to movie requests. If you have a recommendation, let us know at info@createscapework.co!
What do I need to bring? Do you provide chairs?
We put out a few lawn chairs. But if you want to be guaranteed a seat, you should bring your own. You could also bring a blanket. We supply bottled water, bug spray, and depending on the screening, we have snacks and candy.
Are movie nights BYOB?
Yes the events are definitely BYOB. Some folks bring a picnic dinner, snacks, or a cooler with drinks.
What’s the next movie you’re planning to screen?
We're starting to plan our Halloween movie night! That's always a popular event for us because the weather is much more tolerable that time of year and people love spooky, Halloween-themed movies. Here are a few movies we have on our list, let us know if one of them looks interesting to you: Scream, The Addams Family, Hocus Pocus, The Haunted Mansion and The Witches of Eastwick.
What movies have you screened in the past?
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial was the most popular.We also showed Aliens, Scooby-Doo, Amelie, Do The Right Thing, Cabin in the Woods, and Beetlejuice.
Movie night at Createscape coworking on the side lawn
Do you ever screen movies by Austin filmmakers?
In July we screened the feature film Erzulie by Austin filmmaker Christine Chen. We've also hosted a few short film collections by or involving Austin filmmakers and "Couch Fest Film Festival," which is a mix of short films from around the world.
Do you have to be a Createscape member to go to events?
A few events every month are open to the public, usually Happy Hour. But we have a popular membership tier for anyone who doesn't need a coworking office but wants to join a coworking space for the networking opportunities. As a Community member, you're welcome to attend any of our Happy Hours, Morning Hangouts, Meditation Breaks/Wellness Events, crafts, food socials, mentoring sessions and guest talks hosted by The Un.Inc.
You can be a Community member for as little as $15 and it includes a discount for day passes and conference room reservations.
Recently there was an event at Co-Production House. What is that space?
Co-Production House, located on on South Congress, is a new hybrid coworking and large video studio space. It's a community for filmmakers and other media professionals. They have a lot of new filmmaking/video equipment and technology and they host networking events, too.
Co-Production House has an LED VOLUME stage for immersive/interactive storytelling through technology (and, incidentally, how Disney was able to pull of their Star Wars show The Mandalorian).
Is Co-Production House part of Createscape?
Co-production House and Createscape are partner companies. I'm an owner of both and and also very involved with running both communities. Createscape members get free access to events hosted by Co-Production House (featuring artists, live music, technology demonstrations on the VOLUME stage, and more). Createscape members also get 10% off studio rentals and two free coworking day passes each month. Members can contact a staff member at Createscape to get their day pass.
The last event at Co-Production House was at the end of August and featured music from singer-songwriter Delaney Gibson.
Singer/songwriter Delaney Gibson at Co-Production House
Vana Ash, Community Manager and Event Host
Tell me about monthly events at Createscape.
Happy Hour is in the afternoon and Morning Hangouts are early in the morning, usually before work for many members! It just depends on what time you typically start your day. We like doing events at different times so all our members have a chance to attend no matter what their schedule is like.
Are these events open to members and non-members?
Our events are open to members and Community Members. Now that fall is here, a time when membership and participation usually swells, we're opening about two events a month to non-members.
Do I need to bring something to the morning meetups?
Nope! We provide a selection of rotating breakfast foods and treats, like bagels, cereal, waffles and donuts. We also have water, juice and coffee.
I'm kind of shy. Will you introduce me to other members?
Of course! Just find our event lead and we'll will be more than happy to introduce you to other members.
Can I bring friends/colleagues to these events?
You're welcome to bring colleagues to Happy Hour events. Our next one is September 30th.
Tell me about your recent tie-dye event. Are you planning on doing that again?
We provided supplies and members just had to show up with something to dye. Members dyed tees, masks and pet onesies. The event was so popular that we ran out of colors. I'm definitely putting another tie dye event on the calendar since it was such a huge hit! But right now, I'm really looking forward to our September crafting event. We'll be painting succulent pots — and we're providing all the supplies. So you just need to show up.
Do you have any other unique events coming up?
Our resident health guru, Danielle Gertner, will be holding her monthly health and wellness event. We're also organizing a karaoke night, open mic, and more crafting events. We're also finalizing dates for our autumn craft fair and vendor market.