Doors opening to public at 696 Weihai

Sometimes dubbed the Moganshan Lu of 15 years ago, the artists' enclave at 696 Weihai Lu, despite its central Shanghai location, has been pulsing under the radar for much of the past three years. Originally an opium den that was later turned into a factory, 696 Weihai is now home to around 40 residents, most of them artists and designers who have taken advantage of the the location and vibe to set up their studios and workspaces there.

This weekend, over 25 workshops will open up their doors to the public for 696 Weihai's 3rd annual Open House event. This year's theme is "Intervention #3," and will be held from 1-8pm on both April 18 and 19. Since most of the spaces are used for work rather than show, it will be a rare chance for the public to see the kind of stuff that is created at 696. From the press release:

The tenants have been keeping up a three year campaign to maintain Weihai 696’s function as a creative space, through individual and group actions. To celebrate the fact that the building has not yet been torn down or converted into a commercial development the building hosts an annual open door event, to showcase work, allow performers to show their work in public in a relaxed setting to friends and visitors, and this year should also see some documentary work and other experimental pieces...Currently around 25 of the workshops will present open doors, installations and around 5 musical performers have been slated in to play at various venues within the complex. A map will be provided to guests, and signs relating to the various events will be posted by the main gate, or chalked on the walls.

More about the event can be found here at Shanghaieye.net. Location is, where else, at 696 Weihai Lu (between Maoming Lu and Shanxi Lu).

Editor's note: The writer is the founder of a motion graphics studio that will be participating in the event above.