Spaces and Voices
What is Third Space?
The other day someone asked me about the origins of our business name, Third Space Studio. The question took me back twenty plus years reminding me of the power of a “third space”. The question also grounded me in the present as the concept of a third space seems very relevant in the current dynamics of polarization and the global need to listen more deeply to a wide array of voices and perspectives.
Rebecca Auman and I named the company in 2000. As we were plotting the elements of our new business, working with both nonprofits and philanthropists, we read an article in Fast Company that quoted several big thinkers about the space that exists outside of, in between, and within the people involved in a relationship. One of them called it a third space. The term resonated with us. We wanted to create new kinds of partnerships between nonprofits and those with resources and find a word that evoked the practicalities as well as the spirit of good relationships.
We tacked on “studio” at the end as we wanted to be creative and to invite play and experimentation.
In the intervening years, I’ve come to appreciate other definitions of "third space". Here are some of my favorites:
that space where the oppressed plot their liberation: the whispering corners of the tavern or the bazaar
that space where oppressed and oppressor are able to come together, free (maybe only momentarily) of oppression itself, embodied in their identities and desires
where you can stop, catch your breath, take stock, think and reflect, and come to see things more clearly
the space that is not home or work where one lets their real self show in community with others
the environment created by a well-crafted meeting design where people can listen, learn, and imagine together
In a world where people are entrenched in their perceptions and positions, I believe that we need to be creating more third spaces. We need to step outside of our typical frames. We need to actively engage with a wide range of voices. We need new ways of listening and interpreting. We need to amplify and unpack the unusual ideas. We need to seek out solutions in new territories. More time cultivating intentional and joyful third spaces will help us discover new solutions at a time when the problems are existential for countries, communities, families, and the planet.
Voices in the River
Rebecca left Third Space Studio around 2004 and Heather Yandow became my co-conspirator in 2010. Rebecca returned to our orbit a year ago, bringing her intuition and magick, reminding us to look beyond our practical ways of being.
We are excited that Rebecca just launched a new podcast called Voices in the River. In each episode, Rebecca journeys with a woman leader to explore intuition, power, and destiny. Rebecca and her guests are throwing voices in the river with the intention of changing the cultural narrative about powerful women, witches, and magick.
I hope you'll listen to these stories of women finding their way back to their voice and their power. You may discover that this third space will open you up to new possibilities and challenge you to think in another way.
- Meredith