WICHITA — A lot of independent creative professionals, such as writers, graphic artists and web designers, either work from home or in area coffee shops.
The Labor Party is looking to change that.
“We’re trying to provide kind of another alternative to that,” says Todd Ramsey, a brand strategist.
Ramsey is part of a group that has leased almost 5,000 square feet in a two-story building at 216 N. Mosley, which is north of the Hotel at Old Town’s banquet space, and will sublease space to creative individuals who’d like to share working space.
“The real benefit to people is more than just a desk or office,” Ramsey says.
“It’s more of a collaborative environment that can be created.”
Ramsey will work out of the space along with graphic designer Chris Parks, Jarrett Green of Blink Interactive and Kenton Hansen of Go Banana, who also is Blink’s collective director.
There are five offices left to lease that are $450 a month, which includes Internet and utilities.
For $150 a month, there also are an unlimited number of subleases for a large, open area that includes Wi-Fi and access to desks and other seating.
“It’s kind of like a coffee shop almost,” Ramsey says.
Hansen says the space will allow a lot of sharing of ideas and work.
“This is going to give us the opportunity to be the hub, to facilitate the community,” he says. “That’s really what we’re interested in.”
Ramsey says the definition of creative types will be fairly loose. For instance, he’s talking with an interior designer about subleasing space.
There’s no website yet, but if you’re interested in finding out more, you can reach Ramsey on Twitter (@toddramsey). The space should be ready in January.