The Creative Sydney event ‘Upsides of Downturns,’ co-hosted by Vibewire, brought together thinkers from across the creative industries to discuss some positives of the economic downturn. Underlying the discussion was the idea that a downturn acts as a catalyst to change and that overall, this creates new opportunities, because it compels us to think innovatively.

Lesson One: It is possible to be creative and thrifty.
Architect Joe Snell describes how he used string, fairy lights, fake grass and fruit crates in his refurbishment of a Surry Hills bar. Having been faced with a low budget, but still wanting to create atmosphere, Joe notes that you can use unorthodox, inexpensive materials and still give them ‘integrity.’

Lesson Two: Look for alternatives by utilising resources that already exist.
In discussing the lack of an ‘underground’ theatre scene in Sydney, Nicholas Pickard (Sun Herald and Crikey) stated that in the 1970’s, theatre groups used to approach companies and ask to use their car parks to stage shows. Similarly, Marcus Westbury from Renew Newcastle, explained how the project turned abandoned buildings into creative centres, such as galleries or craft stores.

Lesson Three: We should have a plan for the future.
Craig Allchin (Six Degrees Architects) recommended that in Sydney’s development we should, ‘Go West, Get Dense and [go with a] Green Economy.’

Lesson Four: Generate positive change by addressing socio-economic issues head on.
Hugo Moline (The Milkcrate Unlimited) and his work on affordable housing, particularly in Sydney’s South-West, highlights the value of social architecture in a downturn. Hopefully the stigma Moline sees attached to social architecture being, ‘designs for poor people,’ will be done away with.

Lesson Five: We still have choice. So let’s be positive.
Despite budget restraints, unemployment, shut downs and all manner of dreary downturn effects, we don’t have to approach the future with heavy hearted defeatism. If buildings are abandoned, let’s find a new way to use them. If you’re faced with less work and more free time, why not volunteer. If you need props for a theatre production, cut them out of cardboard. Overall, the compulsion to be innovative during a downturn must be matched with a willingness to experiment, search for alternatives and take risks.