Introducing Open Space 2.0

We are STOKED to publicly announce that Open Space will be continuing on as a community venue!

You may be wondering WHAT HAPPENED!?!?!

As is important to do in life and business, we slowed down in 2024 to do some soul searching on what was working, what wasn't, and how we want to show up. We took time to explore what possibilities were out there for the building and the property itself. We weighed options of beginning a major construction project on the garage adjacent to the venue or alternatively leasing out the building and/or the business itself.

Long story short, after lots of deliberation, we ended up with a refreshed perspective on what Open Space could be. You could say we tried some things on in the dressing room and came out with a new outfit. And, we are excited to show it off!

In our short life, Open Space has successfully played host to an abundance of awesome community led events. We have bore witness to the hard work and passion of so many folks engaged in the arts, entrepreneurship, civics and social issues. With our gained experience and observations, we hope that Open Space can continue to be a much needed hub of activity.

Through our soul searching we realized a few things:

1. If Open Space closed, independent theater companies and producers would be severely lacking space to play and perform even more than they already are. We want to keep the legacy of the building intact and we want to contribute to a thriving theater arts community.

   
   

2. Instead of operating along the lines of a traditional hospitality venue, we realize that we are in a better position to offer something special and more of a need in Central Oregon—a blank canvas for events to be fully yours...more like a ‘Brick and Mortar AirBnB’. Straightforwardly, we want to give folks more autonomy and ownership in the venue. 

3. In contemplating the idea that the building could be used for different purposes, we realized that we want the venue to still exist ultimately for the sake of the creative spirit. For this reason, we paused to reflect on our initial, seemingly obvious next step of a major development project, which would cost a lot—and in turn would make it more expensive to use. We have had the thought that maybe what the Bend Central District and the Bend community at large needs is just what we are at present—adventurous and accessible. 

What this means moving forward is that we will be operating a bit differently:

1. We are prioritizing theater productions as well as larger arts productions. We not only want independent theater and performance arts education to be happening, we also want to nurture those bigger ideas that may need more time/days in the locale. 

   
   

2. We will no longer be a licensed bar. You can bring your own alcohol! This means if you want to host a public event there is extra responsibility but also great opportunity. It also means we can accommodate more family and friends parties while retaining the family and friends feeling. We will be happy to talk through all of those details with you.

3. We will not be supplying any set up or tear down labor. While we have loved providing next level event service and hospitality, we are going to get outta the way and let folks enjoy the space they way they see fit. Open Space is your space when you are here. 

So! Let us know if you are planning something! In the meantime, look out for the public events that we will be starting to share again. We are so excited to be back at it! 

We also want to sincerely thank everyone that has put the venue to use in the last three years and we look forward to how our different local communities put the place to use as we continue!