Ha Cantina Newsletter No.1

To all the Cantina's friends and supporters,

This is our first comprehensive update of what we've done so far. Since our break through and the set-up of the association, we progressed considerably with our plans, but didn't even have the time to report back to everyone...

So I'll start with an apology which is, in fact, a Call For Action: We got several (justified) remarks that we are not exposing our efforts publicly enough. This was true. Since everything happened so fast, we were overwhelmed, and didn't really find the time to take care of a proper collaboration and reporting system, a thing we usually refer to as "a website" :-)
We have finally took care of that, and www.cantina.org.il is now open for registration again. Members can (and are invited to) post their thoughts, and discuss about the Cantina. We already reported our amazing progress with the municipality of Tel Aviv (read more further down), and published few photos of the place in discussion.

The site will continue to evolve as we have more time, but for now the essentials are there, and we can all communicate through it. English and Hebrew are allowed, although the site itself is currently English only.

Progressing with finding the right place

• We are happy to announce that we gathered lots of interest and support at the municipality of Tel-Aviv, and it's Economic Development Authority. The later is in charge of operating the old port at Jafa (Yafo), and have identified the benefits of hosting the Cantina in the port, as it goes through renovation these days. The port is being re-branded and having a technological innovation center at the heart of the port will create a unique atmosphere, that will attract both peripheral businesses as well as local residents, thus bringing benefits to a wide range of publics, as well as for the municipality itself.
• As you can see in the photos, the destined place is not at it's top condition. But we urge anyone who happens to be near the port, to stop by and check it out. You'll get hooked in a matter of seconds... The ambience, the sea (the free parking ;-) ) - We can see how we turn this place into a high-class conference facility and a collaborative working space.
• We have recieved a quote from the economic development authority for 40 nis per meter per month and we have scheduled a meeting to optimize the price at least for the initial 1-2 years.
• The place we are offered is almost half built for us already: a first floor for the work space and events, and a second floor for meeting rooms, restrooms and a shower (for those coming on bicycle during the summer...)
  • The location and atmosphere in the port gives reason to believe that this will be a very popular spot for companies to hold events and parties of up to 100 people - renting out the cantina - this is crucial so we can be self sustaining after the initial fund raising.

Funding the Cantina

• So it's clear we need financing to bootstrap everything, before the Cantina itself will cover it's own expenses. As soon as we finish with some bureaucracy in the bank, we'll be able to start collecting some funds.
• We have a generous offer from France-Israel Foundation, to get us up and running, and perhaps supporting us throughout the first couple of years.
• We are also working on completing the minimal budget, by turning to interested commercial bodies, such as communication and hi-tech companies, venture capitals and media companies, in order to get contributions from them. Currently this is lead by Yael Vaya. We are still doing the work to understand how it is best to approach this issue. If you are familiar and experienced with such activities (raising funds) - please contact us, we can use the help.
• Yael is also working on a primary program to involve the habitants of the area near the Jafa port, a goal which is both part of the Cantina declared goals, as well as stand well inline with the municipality's interests (somebody said "win-win"?)

Summary

We are still pulling the wagons in full capacity, and have made some impressive progress in all directions.
As we go, further people are invited to join the ride. We already got into a very interested discussion with some people, about how to use the Cantina for the benefits ofthe open source communities in Israel. If the involved persons will agree, I will post the discussion on the site. All this to say - from now on - Please use the website for any discussion about the Cantina. Follow us on Twitter, Twit about the Cantina, Join the Facebook group, Create a buzz, and share your ideas with everybody!