My home town - Hamilton, New Zealand - has a bit of a reputation for being 45 minutes from anything good. It's not exactly a bustling, creative metropolis and ever since moving back to Hamilton after living in Wellington for four years I have often lamented Hamiltons’ lack of creative community and inspiring spaces. However in my final year of study I found myself challenged to think differently about my surroundings, and to view them as a platform for change rather than sitting back and complaining.

I chose to explore the concept of a exhibition space that included a cafe and store to encourage interaction within the gallery walls. The space would be dedicated to fine arts without taking itself too seriously and would make itself accessible to the wider community with the inclusion of elements such as coffee and food,
locally made products as well as events and classes held on the premises.

Part gallery, part shop, part meeting place, Keen + Co. was a concept store that existed for one week only as a space for creative collaboration, where ideas were explored in the setting of community.

Project supported by ZEAL HAMILTON, a not-for-profit youth organisation that exists for the advancement of young people in the creative arts, leadership and education.

http://www.zeal.org.nz/