Richmond has long been home to a thriving arts scene, with well-established membership-driven spaces like Artspace and the long-running 1708 Gallery providing vital platforms for artists. However, as the city continues to change, younger creatives are seeking new ways to carve out their own space within the arts community.
Ours, the city’s newest hub for artists, digital creatives, and community members, offers a fresh approach—one rooted in transparency, community governance, and a shift away from alcohol-centered socializing. Located at 2309 West Main Street, Ours is part of the global Index network, which has launched similar initiatives in cities like New York, Amsterdam, and Bengaluru. The question remains: can Ours establish itself as a lasting part of Richmond’s evolving creative landscape?
A New Generation Creating Their Own Space
At the heart of Ours is Sam Taylor, a young Richmond native and creative strategist at garden3d, who represents a new generation of artists and entrepreneurs actively shaping the city’s cultural infrastructure.
“I longed for a space where I could connect with people in their full authenticity—where we could embrace each other’s complexities without the social pressure of being under the influence,” Taylor explains. “A place where we could simply be, and be each other’s light.”
Taylor’s vision reflects a broader trend in arts communities, where younger creatives are moving beyond traditional institutional spaces and building environments that better align with their needs. Rather than replacing Richmond’s existing art hubs, Ours adds a new dimension—one that provides flexible workspace, peer-driven programming, and a place for younger artists to take an active role in shaping the city’s cultural scene on their own terms.
A Membership-Driven Model with a Community Focus
Unlike past attempts at alternative spaces in Richmond, Ours is structured with financial transparency and cooperative decision-making.
“Our programming is shaped and hosted by members of the Richmond community, creating a platform for local artists, hobbyists, and seasoned craftspersons to shine,” Taylor says. “Whether you have art to exhibit, a conversation to spark, or a craft to teach, Ours is a space for you.”
Memberships range from $45/month for occasional use to $295/month for dedicated workspaces, and Ours reinvests half of all event proceeds back into the space. This structure allows for financial independence, but it also presents challenges. Without corporate backing or major institutional funding, Ours relies on the ongoing commitment of its members to keep the space sustainable.
Could this model become a blueprint for future spaces in Richmond? Looking at precedents like AS220 in Providence, a nonprofit community arts center that has successfully operated for decades, there’s reason for optimism. By combining workspace, exhibition opportunities, and community engagement, AS220 has remained financially viable while staying true to its grassroots origins. If Ours can maintain a similar balance, it could prove that independent creative spaces are still possible in an increasingly commercialized cultural landscape.
A Sober Alternative in a City Built Around Bars
One of the boldest aspects of Ours is its commitment to being a sober space, offering an alternative to the city’s bar-heavy arts and music scene.
“Creating a space free from alcohol allows people to show up as they are and connect over shared interests rather than external influences,” Taylor explains. “It’s an opportunity to leave with more than you arrived with—a sense of community, a new friend, a neighbor, a mentor, or simply a good conversation.”
This shift is particularly relevant for younger creatives, many of whom are seeking spaces that prioritize wellness, collaboration, and artistic practice over nightlife culture. In cities like Austin, spaces such as The Museum of Human Achievement have managed to create vibrant, alcohol-free community hubs by focusing on collaborative programming, peer support, and open-ended creative engagement. If Ours can foster a similarly engaged audience, it could redefine what a third space looks like in Richmond.
Programming as a Path to Sustainability
The success of Ours will likely depend on its ability to keep programming fresh and relevant. Already, it has launched with events like a queer-friendly chess club, pasta-making workshops, and design exhibitions honoring the Black diaspora. Collaborations with the ICA at VCU, ChaLab, and Exposure suggest a strong start, but the long-term sustainability of Ours will hinge on whether it can continually evolve to meet the needs of its members.
Taylor is optimistic: “We’re all about offering a variety of workshops, courses, public programming, and affinity group gatherings. If you have an idea, bring it to the table—I’d love to collaborate and help bring it to life.”
This openness has already resulted in a packed calendar, with offerings such as tea ceremonies, Friday morning pilates, and weekly film screenings curated by Brandon Shillingford of Exposure.
A Fresh Addition to Richmond’s Arts Landscape
Taylor envisions Ours as a long-term fixture in Richmond’s creative ecosystem. “I see Ours serving as the connective tissue for cross-business collaboration throughout Richmond—a place where visitors discover hidden gems that become beloved staples,” Taylor says. “Ultimately, I hope Ours inspires people in other cities to pursue the work of connection and community building.”
The Richmond arts scene has seen many independent spaces come and go, but Ours enters the landscape with a fresh approach—one that embraces the values of past DIY movements while integrating financial sustainability into its foundation. Spaces like The Bakery in Atlanta and Coaxial Arts Foundation in Los Angeles have demonstrated that artist-run spaces can survive when they strike the right balance between community participation and structured management.
Rather than competing with Richmond’s existing art spaces, Ours offers younger creatives a small but significant stake in the city’s cultural ecosystem. It’s not about replacing what already exists—it’s about adding to it, providing a space where emerging artists, designers, and thinkers can shape the community in new ways.
In a city where many independent art spaces have struggled to survive, Ours represents a hopeful step forward. It’s a space where young artists and cultural workers don’t have to wait for permission to build something meaningful. The challenge now is whether Richmond will rally behind this model, ensuring that Ours doesn’t just survive but thrives as a lasting part of the city’s artistic fabric.
Main photo of Sam Taylor courtesy of Ours
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