The Purple Thistle was started in 2001 by eight kids who wanted a space that was a mix between an open community and resource centre and an artist-run studio. The term ‘deschooling centre’ is a really good way to think about our approach. We focus on young people (aged 15-30), because we feel these are the people who need to be supported in their independence the most. But we encourage participation on all levels from people aged one to one thousand.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Thistle?

The Thistle is a youth-run arts and activism centre. We operate in four main ways:
We are open in the afternoons and evenings for drop-in. Please see signs on the door, big white board and website for hours.
We run classes and projects of all kinds. There is lots of information available about what’s going on and how to sign up. If it isn’t totally obvious, ask someone.

We run full-time, paid training programs during the day, focused around arts, community work and/or publishing. If you are interested, write matt@purplethistle.ca

Also, lots of groups, big and small, use the space for meetings, conferences, gatherings or as a work-space. You are welcome to meet here, just run it past the collective.

What is the collective?

The collective is a group of 12-15 volunteer youth staff each of whom has a key and keeps the space open for one 3-hour shift per week.

The collective meets every Monday night at 7:00, and together we make all the decisions regarding the space, build the schedule, create projects and listen to what one another is up to. The Monday meetings are open to all and everyone who comes participates as an equal. We make decisions consensually and everything is open for discussion.

Can I join the collective?

Sure thing. If you are interested in being part of the collective, just hang around, get to know everyone, come to meetings, and after a while, once you understand the place and how you can contribute, ask us at a collective meeting.

How do I use this space?

First, come on in and check it out. See what we have, see what kinds of stuff people are working on, see what you’d be interested in using or learning how to use.

Can I use everything?

Pretty much. Use your common sense and ask questions. But if something doesn’t explicitly direct you not to use it, please feel welcome. That includes everything – all the supplies, the computers, all the equipment. If you don’t know how to use something (darkroom, Oxberry, sewing machines etc.) find out when the next class is or who can teach you – there should be signs up – but if not, ask the staff person.

Is everything free?

Pretty much. If not it will be obvious. But all our classes

and supplies and equipment are almost universally free for everyone.

Can I take stuff home?

Please don’t take our supplies or equipment home – unless there is an obvious sign-out procedure. But if you make something – say a painting or lino or zine – then for sure, its yours.

AND, MAKE SURE TO GIVE US YOUR EMAIL CONTACT SO WE CAN TELL YOU ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS AND CLASSES AND STUFF. matt@purplethistle.ca or carla@purplethistle.ca

What are the skills link programs?

At least once a year, and sometimes twice, we run Service Canada-funded Skills Link programs. There are two of them – one is the Publishing Program where participants learn desktop publishing and web design by making zines, magazines and websites, the second is called Dream Seeds, is exclusively for young women and is organized around art and community organizing.

Participating in these projects is a full-time job that runs from 9 - 4:00 every day in the centre for between 5 or 6 months each, pays full-time and has multiple components, including employment support, college entry, project start-up help, mentorships, internships and much else.

There is always significant interest in these programs, so if you are interested, please write matt@purplethistle.ca for more information and/or to get signed up for the next one.

Do I have to be 15-30 to use stuff?

No. we’re run by young people, but people as old as 50 drop in to use our computers and such. The whole idea is to break down ageism and age-based sterotypes. If we enforced our own versions of those that would suck. Above any of the stuff we put on grants, the thistle is a free skool and a resource centre. There are some times when we’re trying to build a safe space for youth (and for other people, ie. Queer youth, non-white youth, young women, etc.) and when that’s the case it will be explicitly stated.

What’s consensus? What’s a collective?

We eschew the tyranny of the majority in favour of compromise (we don’t vote, we decide together).

And that nobody is the boss of anybody else.

Come talk to us for more information.

What should I know if i want to be a part of the Thistle?

Come to a meeting to meet everyone. Our meetings are really relaxed. We don’t ask that anybody have all the answers or even know where to start.

We love it when people come to ask a lot of questions- young people especially. We ask that you think before you start talking (a lot goes on at our meetings, and we try to make them short.) If you and some friends have an idea for a project, but need a leg up for supplies, space and mentor support, come to the Thistle. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make your own program there.

We run on a ‘no assholeism’ policy. Mistakes are encouraged; but racism, sexism, classism, homo/trans phobia, ableism, and all other forms of aggression will be challenged.

So you’re anarchists but the government pays most of your rent? Lame.

Yeah, we take money from shady characters. It’s a bigger philosophical issue: pragmatism within the Almighty Dollar System versus lifestyle politics and ideological purity. Capitalism makes everything a personal choice about what you’d rather sacrifice in any given situation. In this case, we’re more concerned with having an alternative-to-school than we are about not depending on the government for cash.