On October 28th, Kaleidoscope, an artist-run community creative space, experienced a devastating fire. We need your help to rebuild what we lost.

The founding of Kaleidoscope was a self-funded act of blind faith: we had ultimate trust that if we built something so open, with what we had immediately to offer, that soon people would see and find value in it - want to make it their own. Though we have lost everything, we are leaving this chapter far richer in community, in the knowledge that what we have provided is of utmost value, and with the strength and skills of all of those who helped make Kaleidoscope grow into itself.

 

We were extraordinarily lucky to find ourselves at 267 Irving Ave: a central location where passers-by could poke their head into the storefront or open garage - “what is this place?” The answer was often so long that it became confusing: the space held so much for us. Better to just see for yourself, get lost in our labyrinthine sacred temple hidden from street view.

 

Once a little deeper, you would find yourself in a sanctuary, filled with air and light, amongst artists working quietly, chatting under the shade of the fig tree, setting up for a performance, stretching, playing, sharing, working with equipment you never thought would be here. The space had a propensity for coalescing thoughts: like a super-collider for ideas, dreams, visions. To visit was to begin fitting yourself into the tapestry of Kaleidoscope - you wanted to help weave it, contribute your ideas, time, strength. Kaleidoscope relied on this, it was something so big it needed to be built by everyone, and it gave itself back, tenfold. You could come in lost and be found, suddenly surrounded by community, opportunity for showing your work, new ideas - though it was one big concrete box, it opened up an entire world. It felt like the type of thing you would go looking for, but could never quite find.

 

Though the beautiful container that taught us how to hold ourselves, and brought us all of you, is now gone, Kaleidoscope will find a new place to land where it can perhaps even better serve as a home for artists of all kinds, and continue to be a beacon for those who need it. We will come back from this stronger. Your support, whether through donations, sharing this campaign, or sending encouragement means so much to us. We will rebuild together, and continue to carry the torch of artists making space in the city.

 

 

How You Can Help*

 

We are estimating that the total costs for relaunching will be ~50k. We need to raise funds for:

 

    •    Rebuilding /relocation ($30,000)

We are unsure if the studio at 267 Irving will continue to be able to hold us once repairs are made by the building owner. We are keeping an open mind to new places, but wherever we go, there will be significant upstart costs such as security deposits, and varying degrees of buildout.

 

    •    Direct relief for lost work and equipment ($10,000)

Many of our studio members lost work, necessary personal and shared materials, and equipment. Though the work is irreplaceable, the ability to continue creating is more important than ever.

 

    •    Smoke damage cleanup and storage for work ($1,000)

In the next few months, work and objects that survived will have to be placed in a controlled environment to be de-smoked and dried out.

 

    •    Con-ed bill and repaying deposits to events organizers ($3,000)

 

    •    Temporary relocation costs ($6,000)

As we navigate finding a new home base, it is more important than ever to be able to continue making work, and gathering together. We also must temporarily store all of our remaining specialized equipment, materials, and large objects.

 

 

With gratitude and hope,

Arah, Emma,

 & the whole Kaleidoscope community.

 

 

 

*if you would like more information on our projected costs, have any insight to offer, want to have a conversation about our goals, or would like to offer something non-monetary, please feel free to reach out to Arah via DM, text, or email:

@kaleidoscope.bk

440-530-0233