Alice Springs venue saved by community fundraising
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People in Alice Springs, Australia, and across the world raised $1 million to help The Black Wreath, a live music venue, purchase its building after the landlord announced plans to sell the property.
The venue’s founder, Pirate, launched a fundraising campaign on August 4, quickly gaining support from artists like Amyl and the Sniffers and fans eager to preserve a vital creative space.
The Black Wreath provides a place for local bands to perform and record music, and has been instrumental in the success of groups such as South East Desert Metal from Ltyentye Apurta/Santa Teresa, who have even played at the Sydney Opera House. Pirate used social media to rally support, posting daily updates throughout the month-long campaign, which reached its goal of $1 million two days ahead of schedule.
Although the fundraising target has been met, Pirate explained that more work remains. The funds will now be used to negotiate the purchase of the property with the owners, with a long-term vision to transform the entire block into a creative precinct run as a foundation. Pirate hopes the space will support local artists by funding their music and arts projects, as well as facilitating travel and touring opportunities for Central Australian musicians.
