Figure Eight

I'm staying in Sydney at a warehouse which is run by the party-production crew Figure Eight. They focus on "sustainable" events, meaning they run solar to power their sound system. The crew has been together for about 4 years in different incarnations. This is the second warehouse they've worked/lived out of. Figure Eight started as just a sound system playing free parties and has turned into a family, living and working together along the aims of having fun and living in a sensible way in an nonsense world. They focus more on sustaining their lifestyle than getting rich. Just how I like it.

The warehouse is huge, two floors - they rent out sections to a Sustainable Energy Cooperative, an underground hiphop label (the biggest in Aus), and a recording studio. 15 people live here, quite a few more hangout and work here as well, so the place is always full of people and activity. Large sections of the warehouse are devoted to party supplies: sound equipment, decorations, musical gear and a fabulous costume collection. The Kitchen is smallish, a table that sits 5 comfortably, 3 fridges and a wee oven/range top. They share one shower and 4 toilets (3 work), and a laundry machine.

The library hosts books on radical politics, ecology, and conspiracy theories along with classic literature and art books. Dubstep is the music of choice it seems, jungle also being popular, although people listen to just about everything. American culture has a large noticeable impact in music and literature.


Everyone is friendly and cheerful, (i'm sure that's not always the case, but it has been for me). They share resources, skills, ideas and laughs. Most of the people involved seem to have traveled internationally. Europe and the States are frequent destinations. There are close ties to people who live in other warehouses (its quite a scene here) nearby. They are also supportive of the squatting scene which struggles, but seems to be doing well here in Sydney.

The crew ranges from artists, musicians, radicals, students and 'munters'- those who are dedicated to "destroying their mind and body through drugs and harsh living". They are mostly in their 20s, although there are older people involved. The whole project has a decidedly anarchist feel to it. Weekly meetings lasting 30 minutes to 2 hours address any household issues that pop up, from cleaning being neglected, to buying groceries and up coming events they plan to work on. It is a polished bohemia - artsy, free spirited, and relatively clean. It is also frequent host to travelers. Bicycles and dumpster diving are staples. A few of the participants in the project collectively own a few vehicles, but most daily activity is done via walking and public transport - a benefit of big city life.

The gender mix is just a bit sausage heavy, but not too bad. Everyone seems to get along well. At evening time, they come together to enjoy a beer and the occasional spliff.

I feel right at home.