introducing something different

XCHC started with a board and a wealth of experience. Their diversity of expertise in architecture, business, law, and the arts was necessary to access funding, find an adequate building, form the model, and establish the space.

Now we’re here, the rest is up to you.

BLM Allyship & Youth Community Outreach

Preston | XO
(Exchange Operator)

Preston arrived in 2016 after being inspired by urban placemaking projects in the post-quake context. “The earthquakes attracted people who were ready to do things differently, that attracted me to Ōtautahi.”

He came on a Working Holiday visa from Asheville (North Carolina, USA); a creatively thriving city.

When he realized his skills could help a similar creative scene to emerge in Christchurch, he join the XCHC team.

Berlin Statues | Photo Project

What attracted you to XCHC?

“To be honest, I was a bit lost in life.

I had a good career and life in Asheville, but I lacked purpose and I knew there was so much more to experience in the world.

I found it hard to make friends the first few months I lived in Christchurch, but when I walked into XCHC, I felt very welcomed, even though I didn’t identify as a creative or artist. This left such a positive impact on me, I decided to volunteer regularly at XCHC, which eventually lead to being hired, and now a Director.

Now I get to offer that same experience to others; bringing people together and helping creatives brings me so much joy. You wouldn’t believe how much can be achieved when you connect with other passionate people and work together on something creative together.”

What impact does this work have on you?

“I used to believe Art/The Arts was just paintings in galleries or contemporary installations that were deep in context (and therefore went over my head), so it felt like unless I really got into the industry, I just wouldn’t “get it” and seem dumb.

That’s what’s in the media, usually.
The professionals.

But XCHC pulled back the curtain (quite literally even, if you’ve seen the layout of XCHC) so I could see it was so much more. It’s really changed me.It keeps me here and I can’t remember the last time I was bored.

I’ll continue to develop this work until it becomes normal… by the time others catch on, I’ll be looking for the next ‘edge’ of my own creative practice, just like XCHC helps others to find theirs.”

and What impact does it have on others?

Being creative can be both exciting and a vulnerable part of our life. The creative process is intense, messy, and deeply personal; deeply human. It’s strange to me, this authentic ‘thing’ that so many people share is so hidden from the world. I believe it’s what the world needs most right now;. It’s important for our cities and society; this is how they grow.

You also have a greater voice, potential, and impact working as a group. You learn from each other, support each others art, and ultimately grow personally and professionally as a person. I think this is something we all want; to feel belonging regardless of age, gender, race, experience etc.”

The “Exchange Operator” role is no longer something based on just the space, I’m connected with creatives around the world, and am still learning how to be better skilled at this work everyday.

Hope to meet when you visit XCHC.
- Preston


Behind the Scenes

 
Christoph Wysocki Director 2021 -

Christoph Wysocki
Director
2021 -

Matthew Biddick Treasurer 2015 -

Matthew Biddick
Treasurer
2015 -

 

PREVIOUS TEAM

Previous team members have left a lasting impression and XCHC is forever grateful for their time and contribution.

 

Pedro Johnston
Manager | Barista | Chef

2017 - 2021

Camia Young Founder | Director2013 - 2021

Camia Young
Founder | Director

2013 - 2021

14947618_10154204644008981_1089646154644374948_n.jpg

Noemie Jullien
Sous Chef | Awesome

2018 - 2021

Camila Nieulands Assistant Chef 2016-2019

Camila Nieulands
Assistant Chef
2016-2019

Agnieszka Parr Advisory Board Media & Communications

Agnieszka Parr
Advisory Board
Media & Communications

Tony Chamberlain Trustee - Chair 09.2015 - 10.2016

Tony Chamberlain
Trustee - Chair
09.2015 - 10.2016

Uwe Rieger Founder 06.2013 - 02.2016

Uwe Rieger
Founder
06.2013 - 02.2016

Gaby Montejo Trustee 05.2014 - 09.2015

Gaby Montejo
Trustee
05.2014 - 09.2015

Nic Hetherington Event Manager 08.2014 - 02.2015

Nic Hetherington
Event Manager
08.2014 - 02.2015

Brie Sherow Bar Manager 2017

Brie Sherow
Bar Manager
2017

Holly Chappell-Eason Advisory Board Events Artist

Holly Chappell-Eason
Advisory Board
Events Artist

Kerry Mulligan Advisory Board Facilities

Kerry Mulligan
Advisory Board
Facilities

Marcia Butterfiled Director - Media & Comms 10.2015- 08.2016

Marcia Butterfiled
Director - Media & Comms
10.2015- 08.2016

Netta Egoz Trustee 05.2014 - 04.2015

Netta Egoz
Trustee
05.2014 - 04.2015

Harry Knight XCHC Operator 08.2014 - 03.2015

Harry Knight
XCHC Operator
08.2014 - 03.2015

Jon Jeet Advisory Board Residents Artist

Jon Jeet
Advisory Board
Residents Artist

Aliesha Mcgilligan Chef & Cafe Director 09.2015 - 07.2017

Aliesha Mcgilligan
Chef & Cafe Director
09.2015 - 07.2017

Jess MacDonald Director - Residents 05.2016- 08.2016

Jess MacDonald
Director - Residents
05.2016- 08.2016

Gerald Carter Trustee 05.2014 - 01.2016

Gerald Carter
Trustee
05.2014 - 01.2016

Jaya Gibson Operations Director 04.2015 - 07.2015

Jaya Gibson
Operations Director
04.2015 - 07.2015