Support my friend's independent artspace against repression!

Hello everyone,

My friends’ art studio and project space centered on FLINTA* and BIPOCs that organises regular community events will closed by the end of the month (31 July, 2024). The most basic reason is that the landlord refused to extend their contract and has relisted the unit at the same price (increased) that they had already agreed to. On top of that, because of their support of Pal and using the windows to show their solidarity with the oppressed with artworks and posters, they have been facing severe vandalisms, harassments, charges and more repressions in different ways!

The studio has always been community-centered and non-profit. All the costs add up, and they do not have the money to cover them. This is why I am helping them do a fundraiser.

We're raising 3000€ to cover costs.

The costs will go to:

- 700€ outstanding rent from former studio member who stopped paying because of the windows

- 500€~ moving service w/ assistance for heavy items

- 300€ ~large item garbage collection fee

- 400€~ paint cost for walls & meals for volunteers

- 100€~ cleaning materials

- 1000€ legal fees (based on quote from lawyers)

My friend's studio is a shared space between different types of artists and cultural workers. The studio / project space has also hosted many different communities and types of events over 7 years. They include print making, child-friendly classes, exhibitions, window displays, film screenings, talks by visiting artists, and more. Art and creative practices create community and care. But they also challenge the status quo and critique systems of oppression. This has made a small number of people uncomfortable, and the consequences have been immediate. Some studio members stopped paying rent. Complaints were made to the police about the window display, and members have received charges, even though events are always overbooked and neighbours have appreciated the materials. The landlord had offered a new contract at an increased price, retracted the offer, and relisted the unit. While the interior is complained about, the exterior of the windows have been vandalised in broad daylight as a form of intimidation. Not only did the studio have to cover the costs of cleaning (with unpaid support from friends), but is now walking a tightrope of safety and asking for community help. This is how privilege and power are used systemically isolate individuals and keep the oppressed repressed.

This fundraiser is to cover costs for the studio's rent, moving out logistics, service and legal fees, so that the individuals can wrap up this chapter without the burden of debt.

If this fundraiser overshoots its goal or the costs are lower than estimated, the remaining funds will be used to donate to ELSC (European Legal Support Center) for their non profit work to provide free legal support to protect and empower advocates for Palestinian rights in Europe.

Let's show our solidarity with our comrades and support their works! The People United Will Never Be Defeated!