SOS! Save Our Studio

In August of 2016, three queer women from Atlanta, GA finally got the keys to a shared dream.  After months of searching and then more months of renovations, they opened the doors of Metropolitan Studios, an inclusive and safe space for individuals with the primary focus of uplifting marginalized communities through the promotion of artistic self-expression and affordable access to a community space. 

Celebrating diverse artists, makers, and entrepreneurs, Metropolitan Studios became so much more than just a studio - it became a vital artistic haven and organizing space. 

We believe in ACTIVISM THROUGH ART and hope we can continue our work of creating meaningful conversations and action through art for many years to come. Metropolitan Studios is the home of the Award Winning Burlesque Troupe, The Candybox Revue . We have taken two of our most popular dance pieces," #metoo " and "HUMAN " to several festivals and private engagements throughout the Southeast. Additionally, our newest piece, "Battlefield " was debuted at our November show, Burlesque In The Margins. 

We look to amplify the voices of others by providing them a space to perform, engage and create at Metropolitan Studios. 

We are fundraising for $15,000 to cover the rent that is currently being deferred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our mortgage company has not been clear on when the deferred payments will need to be made - when the crisis is over or at the end of the loan.

Like many small businesses, we initially had to close our doors in response to the pandemic. While we have been able to resume limited operations with virtual class offerings and severely restricted caps on in-person enrollments, our revenue has taken a huge hit from the loss of income from our regular classes, recitals, other performances, and most importantly - studio rentals. We are currently operating at about 30% of our normal operating budget. We have sought several forms of financial assistance, but we have yet to be approved to receive any. We have not received funding from the grants we’ve applied for, we have filed for a reconsideration on the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan application, and we have learned that the Mayor’s small business grant can’t be used for utilities, rent or loss of income.

It’s a scary time for a lot of folks right now - independent artists and small businesses are struggling.

Resources like those mentioned above are stretched thin. We know many of our students, renters, audience members, and other supporters see Metropolitan Studios as a much-needed haven and anchor. We need help to make sure it remains a valued resource in Atlanta. We want to open our doors back up to you and see your smiling faces when this pandemic has run its course.

Metropolitan Studios was born because our burlesque troupe needed a place to rehearse, but it has grown beyond the burlesque community - it has become something bigger and more connected. It is a space for local artists, producers, and activists to congregate, collaborate, and entertain. It is a place that has continued to evolve and respond to community needs. It is a place that has helped people. That has healed people. We have worked with small business owners from so many different walks of life. For some we are a permanent home, while for others we serve as a temporary home as they realize larger dreams, but at the end of the day - we help where we can, when we can, as much as we can.

We are proud and honored to create with, provide space for, and build community with our sponsors, partners and students. #SmallBusinessRelief

PARTNERSHIPS
* The HerHRC Committe of The Human Rights Campaign
* Atlanta Pride Parade / Festival
* Partnered with Sadie Hawkins and Dykes on Bikes Atlanta for the Homeless Period Project where we distributed hundreds of menstrual products to elementary schools and homeless shelters for individuals who menstruate
* Neighbor in Need - providing performances at no cost, providing items for silent auctions, etc. Neighbor in Need is an organization that assists those living on fixed incomes in East Atlanta and strives to improve their living conditions. 
* Partnered with Aileen Loy for Free Mask Distrbution / COVID safety awareness
* Partnering with Atlanta Theatre Artists for Justice to provide mobile support during the 2020 election season 
* Norcostco Atlanta Costume - we partnered with them to create more diversity in their marketing by providing models and photoshoot space

GIVING BACK TO ARTISTS
* 2019 - 32% of our total revenue was paid directly back to artists putting us at an investment of $21,000 to local artists for fiscal year 2019
* Host quarterly artist markets 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH
* Annual World AIDS day events with free HIV testing where proceeds have been donated to Positive Impact Decatur
* Annual participation in the East Atlanta Strut
* Annual V-Day Events as part of the global campaign to stop violence against women and girls where proceeds are donated to the Feminist Women's Health Center in Decatur, GA
* Hosted a Reproductive Rights Town Hall with Representative Bee Ngyuen, Laura Simmons: State Director, NARAL Pro-Choice Georgia;  Kwajelyn Jackson: Executive Director, Feminist Women's Health Center;  Staci Fox, President & CEO Planned Parenthood Southeast Advocates
* Donation drives for  local women’s shelters, The Dekalb Rape Crisis Center (Day League), The Period Project, Second Life (a no-kill shelter benefit), and southeastern hurricane/flood disaster victims
* Provided child care and rides for protesters and midterm election support
* Water and food donations at local voting stations during the midterm elections
* Staging place and sign making for the Women’s March in 2017



See more about what we are doing as a Queer Inclusive Space 

Check out our partnership with Norcostco Atlanta Costume to encourage inclusiveness and diversity 

View our Media Kit 

FOR TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS