[Imc-g8-2005] Edinburgh IMC Media Centre - Information update and issues

[Anarcho Babe]

Yeah, and we need to bring in a new fire alarm for the main hall - as the 
old trumpet used before got lost in a theatre play.

Also we should be especially friendly to the art exhibition folks as I 
haven't got many connections with them it might be more difficult to sort 
out if there are any conflicts, and they are also a bit more seperate from 
the cafe crowd as far as i know.

I do agree it would be good to put different tasks which need to be 
fulfilled on the wiki and then people can help and sign up for it, also the 
same on the ground, because several internationals have expressed to come 
earlier and help, but have questioned the use of their time if they are not 
given tasks and proper introductions by the locals.

cheers Ulla



On Sat, 23 Apr 2005 13:15:33 +0100, Planet Mail <planet- 
mail at pop3.poptel.org.uk> wrote:

> hiya,
>
> update on what's now looking like a great edinburgh imc, description of 
> some facilities, possibilities and things to sort.
> a seperate set of tasks and specifc things to do can be developed out of 
> this and the ongoing set of meetings that are due to happen.
> and some pics can be shown at the convergence event in london when it's 
> fully announced :)
>
> i'm working on connectivity, power etc together with ab who is also 
> liaison to building.
>
> will update wiki soon :)
>
> ciao,
> dave
>
> EDINBURGH INDEPENDENT MEDIA CENTRE:
>
> It's a truly great building, and a very nice place for imc to be!
> Owned by charitable trust - good relations and feedback in all 
> discussions so far.
> Contract for hire signed covering period Sat 25th June - Sunday 10th 
> July.
>
> Since the space is available for the entire week before the main protests 
> and events begin, there is adequate time for set up.
> Space is therefore available for training workshops directly ahead of the 
> protests etc - a programme of which can be developed.
>
> ENVIRONMENT:
> Pretty well situated in central Edinburgh + Good transport links.
> From the evolving plans for G8 related edinburgh infrastructure, it looks 
> like there will be adequate dedicated info-spaces with stalls, cheap food 
> and booze, evening entertainments, as well as convergence spaces and 
> perhaps large scale camping / crash venue. All this means that pressure 
> on the imc should be much reduced compared to previous mobilisations.
>
> ACCESS TIMES:
> To be decided by core imc network collectives.
> NB other spaces in edinburgh should also have computers and at least one 
> should be 24hr access.
> NB policy of no sleeping at imc.
> NB core collective groups need to decide which day the centre will open 
> for public imc access
> (ie is this the first day sat 25th june? or monday 27th? etc - how much 
> prep time is needed - when will computer arrive?)
>
> ACCESS:
> Two doors from street. Suitable space for check in desk for access to 
> main imc hall.
>
> CONNECTIVITY:
> Currently has broadband and wi-fi. Need to boost broadband connection 
> significantly and beef up wi-fi. Chuck in another additional phone line 
> as well.
>
> NB Building is NON SMOKING. A strong stance needs to be taken on this (eg 
> putting in all info materials and signs up on walls), and anyway the main 
> imc space should really be non smoking as people will have to work there 
> for long hours and it's not fair on non-smokers.
>
> TOILETS:
> 2 x 2 in seperate rooms. No urinals. Washbasins, no hand dryers.
> 1 Additional.
>
> FIRE:
> Building has adequate fire extinguishers, up to date. Need additional C02 
> electric specific extinguishers.
> Fire plan exists with assembly points etc + 1 additional fire exit.
>
> ===============
>
> MAIN IMC HALL:
>
> Single large square space. Lots of daylight. Lots of wall space for 
> exhibitions / notice boards.
>
> Lots of space capacity for tables with computers to be arranged as people 
> see fit. Example - if arranged in simple back to back trestle table style 
> straight lines then wouild easily fit 60 machines, with enough space for 
> 20 laptop connection points - and a 'lounge area' with a few sofas and an 
> area for coffeee machine / food storage. Not saying that's how it should 
> be just an idea of capacity.
>
> Tables and chairs: There are 7 hexagonal tables and about 25 university 
> style chairs with those small flip over arm rests. These are not ideal - 
> the hexagonal tables could be used but if you go for this seating 
> arrangement then cabling becomes more complex, though of course it's good 
> for groups of people that want to work together. Either way more tables 
> and chairs will need to be sourced for the hall.
>
> Has good positions for banner hanging, running cables overhead, 
> projecting on walls etc
>
> Power and connectivity of course need more attention, but people are 
> working on that.
>
> Main issue will be COMPUTERS...
> - how many? sourced from where? transported how? delivered on which day? 
> networked how and in what way? with what clients? operational by which 
> date? etc etc
> NB a few people making enquiries in scotland to source large uniform 
> batches.
>
> ================
>
> CAFE SPACE:
>
> The building also contains a good size cafe space with small kitchen. The 
> space will be open access to all - imc can control access to imc parts of 
> building if it so chooses. The cafe which does cheapish vegetarian and 
> vegan food, tea and coffee, will be open throughout the duration, 10am - 
> midnight each day. Access to imc can be either through cafe are or via 
> other entrance. There is an existing cafe managing group with a core of 
> volunteers who will run the cafe. They have experience of busy times from 
> the edinburgh festival. A series of briefing meetings is arranged for the 
> weeks before for their volunteers where imc can discuss practicalities 
> and a final co-ordination meeting will happen at the start of the two 
> week imc hire period. It needs to be made clear that this particular part 
> of the space is a collaboration - and not soly imc space.
>
> The cafe space is the responsibility of the cafe collective, but they of 
> course will co-ordinate with imc on requirements. It would be nice if 
> some imc volunteers also did some shifts in the cafe as well. The cafe 
> space is cosy and welcoming, pretty big, has tables, chairs and sofas, 
> and will be wi-fi enabled for the g8 - so a nice relaxing space for 
> people sitting around and drinking coffee with laptops. Has sound system, 
> projector, screen etc etc - so possible to show films in evenings, do 
> smaller discussions etc - proposals for specific activities that can be 
> advertised to be suggested in next few weeks.
>
> A few additional open access machines can be situated in cafe area as 
> well.
>
> Have asked about wall exhibition space here as well.
>
> Note: space is not a 'party' space, restricions on music volume at night, 
> no alcohol for sale on premises, core cafe area locked at midnight.
> It's a very nice chill space which in fact is exactly what's wanted :-)
>
> =================
>
> ADDITIONAL ROOMS:
>
> There are some additional rooms away from the main imc hall that imc can 
> possibly use. Proposals are being made to the building to see what is 
> possible and will be full report back as this progresses. Possible usage 
> for rooms could be radio / video / print etc.
>
> Room #1 Currently in use and good order. Would have to be hired 
> seperately, though if participatory training comes as part of proposal 
> then cost much lower. Has existing sufficient power sockets.
>
> Room #2 Currently not in use, though has been used previously. Has 
> existing sufficient power sockets.
>
> Room #3 Connects to room #2. Not in use. To get it up to usable standard 
> some plaster board would have to be replaced etc. This is totaly possible 
> for a few volunteers estimated time 2 days, estimated total cost £80 - 
> 100. Building keen on such a proposal.
>
> A couple of other rooms exist, but these are either venue office rooms or 
> store rooms. These rooms will be locked. Store room keys to stay with 
> building.
>
> ==============
>
> ARTS ROOM:
>
> There is a small room that is used for arts exhibitions by an autonomous 
> artists collective.
> They have content scheduled for the g8 period. We have proposed 2 things:
>
> 1) IMC provide content for the room instead during the g8 - eg picture / 
> graphic exhibition on walls, and video (tv or projection) within.
>
> 2) If existing artists collective want to retain sole control over room 
> for their own content, we have made it clear that the room needs to both 
> be in the spirit of the main building for the g8 period, and also 
> functional - ie the room will become another space for people to hang out 
> in and they need to take into consideration that the building will see 
> periods of heavy usage, unlike standard day to day current usage.
>
> =============
>
> ADDITIONAL:
>
> Building houses two photocopiers, but are owned and used by group there - 
> have asked about securing use if imc provides new ink cartridge and 
> paper.
>
> =============
>
> ...ends
>
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>
>



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