Dunedin's Arc Cafe and Arclife Records Archive

03/11/2023

Arc’s frontage today, now Taste Nature and Body of the Year bakery.

We put the centre glass doors in, and the window to its right, in early 1997 as a bunch of us prepared the space to be Arc. We had a dispute with the glaziers and I remember arriving one day to them removing the window and doors as a way to persuade us to pay their bill.

The blue doors were Nick’s stone carving studio in the early days, and were merged with the cafe and turned into booths in 1998.

The widened paving, trees, bicycle parking weren’t there then. We planted some small native trees in the light wells to the left of the door but they struggled.

Above the door you can just make out the fixings of the emblematic couch and Arc lettering.

19/09/2023

03/03/2023

I asked ChatGPT what it knew, which is, typical to AI, a mixture of fact and fiction:

me: tell me about Arc Cafe in Dunedin, New Zealand.

"Arc Cafe was a popular cafe located in Dunedin, New Zealand in the 1990s. The cafe was known for its laid-back atmosphere, quirky decor, and live music performances.

Located on the city's iconic Baldwin Street, Arc Cafe was a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The cafe's interior was decorated with colorful murals and artwork, giving it a unique and eclectic feel. Customers could relax on couches or sit at tables and enjoy a wide range of food and drinks, including coffee, tea, sandwiches, salads, and homemade baked goods.

One of the key features of Arc Cafe was its live music performances. The cafe regularly hosted local and international musicians, providing a platform for up-and-coming artists to showcase their talents. The music ranged from indie and alternative rock to jazz and blues, and was a big draw for many of the cafe's regular customers.

Arc Cafe was also known for its support of various social and political causes. The cafe hosted events and fundraisers for a variety of organizations, including environmental groups, human rights organizations, and animal welfare groups.

Unfortunately, Arc Cafe closed its doors in the early 2000s, much to the disappointment of its many loyal customers. However, its legacy lives on as a beloved part of Dunedin's vibrant cultural scene during the 1990s."

me: Arc Cafe was on High St, not Baldwin St, though.

"I apologize for the error in my previous response. You are correct that Arc Cafe was located on High Street, not Baldwin Street, in Dunedin, New Zealand during the 1990s.

The cafe was situated in the heart of the city's student quarter, making it a popular destination for university students and young people. Its quirky and relaxed atmosphere, combined with its live music performances, made it a cultural hub and a focal point for the local community.

In addition to its music and social events, Arc Cafe also served a range of vegetarian and vegan food options, which was somewhat uncommon in Dunedin at the time. This helped to establish the cafe as a destination for those interested in healthy and ethical eating.

While Arc Cafe is no longer in operation, its impact on the Dunedin community during the 1990s is still remembered fondly by many who frequented it."