The Commons, one of Lincoln’s foremost DIY creative spaces, doesn’t pop out immediately from its Near South storefront. It sits in the north unit of a building shared with a vaporizer shop and a laundromat, visible only if you’re looking for it but open to all.
Behind its nondescript facade exists a hotbed of creativity and cooperation fueled by passionate volunteers and community-based discussion and participation. For the past two years, The Commons has provided a safe, drug-and-alcohol-free space for artists, musicians and live music, community organizers, readers and those interested in learning various new skills — all regardless of a person’s ability to pay for any of its resources.
Many who frequent the modest space are like-minded, says volunteer Amanda Huckins, not driven by money or gains but by learning, teaching and growing through connection.
“I feel like we function in a human way,” Huckins says. “Most of the people who get stuff done here are friends. You couldn’t do this if you weren’t personally invested in the other people doing it, because there’s no other investment. You’re not getting anything out of it besides connection.”
Watch below as Huckins and fellow volunteer Jacob Darling explain what makes The Commons a vital part of Lincoln’s DIY community.
CREDITS
Video: Lindsey Yoneda, JP Davis
Edit: Lindsey Yoneda
Music: “Amputation” by The Morbs
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See a list of upcoming events at The Commons below:
July 1, 6-9pm — Threadbare a First Friday Art Show
July 7, 6-7pm — Common Wellness
July 9, 7-10pm —Lost Boys//Baltic to Boardwalk//Swing Low
July 10, noon-3pm —Lincoln Under the Radar
July 12 — Open Meeting — volunteering and communication.
July 15 — Overturn Benefit
July 21 Trunkweed (Baltimore) and more TBA
July 23, 7pm — So What Slam — monthly all-ages slam poetry event
July 26 — Rabble Rouser + No Thanks and more TBA
July 29 — Mike Frazier Band (Virginia)
July Dates TBA: Lincoln Repair Cafe
Ongoing events:
Wednesdays, 6-9pm — Open Hours with Letterpress Lessons
Saturdays, 10:30am-12pm — How to Start Ballet w/ Caroline– Free beginning dance class for 6-11 year olds. Contact Caroline Howard at cpamarthoward@yahoo.com for more info.
Sundays, 10am — Meditation — Thich Nhat Hanh tradition
Sundays, 1-4pm — Open Hours!
Sundays, 3-5pm — We Are Vital — Neighborhood discussion, organizing, and action group.
Open Meetings are held the Second Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm.