Hi everyone! My name is Shelbi and I am the Founding Mother of Black Box Creative. I have been a working artist and dancer for the last 12 years and throughout my time dancing and creating, I noticed a community need among my peers. We need a space to feel safe, emboldened and empowered to move and learn together. Black Box Creative is that space! We have been open for one year now in our first studio space and have grown feverishly since day 1! 


Our space is regularly described by our community members as "Welcoming", “A long-needed part of the community”, "Diverse", "Unique", "Empowering", and "My favorite part of my day". We're doing exactly what we set out to do, and could not be more grateful for our community having our back. The growth we've witnessed among ourselves and our members in our first year is truly amazing! 


It is with a full heart that I announce that Black Box Creative is now poised to move into our new studio space! We have loved and laughed a ton in our current studio, but have outgrown its walls. Among other things, our new studio space will allow us to host larger classes, private parties, special events, showcases, and private rentals. 


We’ve secured our new facility, and have already begun the build process. We can not wait to share it with you all! Our beautiful community deserves an equally beautiful and ample facility and we have found it, but moves are expensive! Black Box has always been privately funded by myself and donations that were received from you. 


In order to make this space accessible, functional, and beautiful, your help would be greatly appreciated! Donations received will be used to help purchase and maintain equipment for the studio such as poles, lighting, flooring, mats, fitness equipment, and supplies to be used by students, staff, and even private rental clients. We aim to provide a safe and resource-full environment for everyone to truly thrive in!



What is Black Box Creative?


Black Box Creative is a versatile, collaborative, and diverse space bringing a selection of pole, dance, movement, fitness, and art classes to Austin's creative community. We aim to amplify and employ local POC and LGBTQ+ instructors and creators by providing a safe space to teach, learn, create, and sell their wares. In doing so, we offer a one of a kind experience to our community of students and artists. Black Box Creative is a truly unique and freeing space. 



Our staff is diverse, knowledgeable, safety-oriented, and supportive. We offer an immersive studio that allows you to leave your stressors at the door and devote time to your art, movement, and wellness. The world can feel overwhelmingly bleak for many people, and Black Box Creative is a needed retreat. We will always maintain a clean facility, and classes will continue to be small enough for individual attention. Our community is strong and we’re excited to offer more opportunities for classes and events that encourage growth, wellness, and celebration of creativity and individuality!



I thank you so much for taking the time to read about this project and donating towards making this all possible. Please share the link to our Go Fund Me freely with your friends! I believe wholeheartedly that this space can offer so much more to so many people and is a needed hub of resources and support. I hope to see you there!




Please share our story and follow our progress!



You can find us on Instagram at @blackboxcreativeatx and visit us online soon at www.blackboxcreativeatx.com !