Arts Incubator. Gathering Place. Experiment Lab. Event Space. We're OK with all of the labels.
Just as long as we're clear that at the heART of it all is... this... idea... that we can collectively create change in our communities... through art. This intangible
thing - this something we can't quantify, but that we see and experience and
feel every time folks gather in our spaces.
It's about the process of allowing ourselves the space to create - to tap into a new understanding of ourselves, to connect with someone who offers a new perspective, to try something we didn't think we could do - and feel just how satisfying, and
dare we say it, life changing, it all can be.
A pipe dream? No way. We're making it happen.
All that's missing... is YOU.
Why Now?
We have the raw space. We have the artists, DJs, dancers, poets, teachers, musicians, chefs and more all lined up and ready to share their work... But the ONLY way we can turn this...
Into something more like this...
Is with YOUR SUPPORT!
Our goal is to open our doors in December.
We want YOU to be among the first to see the transformation! ALL donors who contribute $5 or more are invited to our Exclusive Opening pARTy on Friday, December 5, 2014! You will be the first to see what we can do with a blank space, $4,000 in community-supported
funding, a bit of sweat equity, and an amazing crew of talented artists and artisans! In order to get all of the work done and all of the art in place, we need to meet our fundraising goal by November 30.
What's In the Name?
ReCreative Spaces literally
makes space for art. Our mission is to deliver arts-oriented, community-focused programming in unused, underused, and unlikely spaces. We're doing it in partnership with
The Menkiti Group, Plaza Art, and YOU!
ReCreative also refers to the idea that at any age, no matter how far removed from the creative process we may be, it's never too late to tap back into that childhood magic of
trying and discovering and taking risks. We watch incredible happen in our spaces everyday. And the way we see it, the more space we have, the more resources we can collectively amass, the more we can all
do and create and be.
What's In the Space?
Our city is full of spaces just waiting to thrive. So let's do it! Let's create places that are overflowing with positivity and that are ripe for creative-making. You've got the talent, ambition, drive, curiosity... We've got the space. Come on in!
We are currently offering a range of programming in our 1,300 square-foot storefront, but have a vision of offering
even more art. We have the opportunity to expand into a space about double the size, in order to do just that!
Who's Behind This?
John and
Emily, photographer and dancer respectively, are the Co-Founders of ReCreative Spaces. They are passionate about their own art, and even more passionate about supporting art in all of its varied forms, as well as those who want to create it.
Check out EVEN MORE ReCreative Spaces with the following links:
Sign up for our NEWSLETTER
Check out our WEBSITE
Like us on FACEBOOK
Follow us on TWITTER
Heart us on INSTAGRAM
What's Happened?
ReCreative Spaces opened our doors in the North Michigan Park neighborhood of Washington, DC on August 1, 2014. We have been able to offer three months of arts-oriented programming in an otherwise vacant commercial property. As is the goal with our partnership,
our short-term occupancy has come to an end, and the space has been leased out on a long-term basis!
In three short months and with just under $2,000 in initial fundraising support...
We turned a long-standing vacant property...
Into a hub of activity...
We've shown work by 17 artists...
Held yoga, dance, poetry, and painting classes...
We have given local organizations such as the DC Youth Slam Team and Bele Bele Rhythm Collective space to hold rehearsals, workshops and performances...
And generally, we've made a place for art...
What Happens Next?
Your support will literally help us double our impact!
We've been able to do all of the above with just under $2,000 in initial funding. Just think what we can accomplish next!
Our NEXT SPACE, located nearby at 1613 Rhode Island Ave NE, offers two floors - one dedicated for classes and rehearsals, and one for workshops, meetings, events, performances, and everything else YOU
want to see in the space.
Core elements of our programming will include, but are not limited to
*Manual arts: Painting, drawing, screen printing, creative writing
*Digital arts: Photography, digital design, digital media production
*Physical Arts: Dance, yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi
*Music: Choral arts, electronic music production
*Knowledge Sharing: Lecture series on themes including: arts, entrepreneurship, innovation, education, technology, politics, spirituality
*Civic participation: Discussions on policy and governance issues that impact the creative community
*Wholesome nourishment: Sustainably sourced coffees and teas, locally fresh-made baked good,
*Performance & Event Space: Live performances including, but not limited to: Dance, music, poetry, theater, etc. We will also cater to private events
*Pop-up Shop: Small retail outlet featuring art, supplies, and locally sourced products
Our December calendar is filling up! (A sample of the goodies include THE BRUNCH EXPERIENCE, weekly
HIP HOP CLASS,
REEL TALK, and a
FAMILY PAINT WORKSHOP.) The funding from this campaign will allow us to continue to work with local, national, and international artists to bring dynamic programming into the space for
all.
What Else?
While creating temporary art space is a large part of our business model, we have also grown incredibly fond of our neighborhood and neighbors. We are committed to continuing to offer programming for those who have supported us from the start, even as we
continue to expand and grow.
As important to us as creating space, is supporting artists. We believe art making is brave and noble work. Your support allows us to continue to offer low cost programming while also paying the artists for their work with us.
We aren't a big business with large financial backers. We aren't a non-profit, either. We are trying things a little differently; we call it 'for profit, for good.' We're a community of sharers. We do our best to offer our space and expertise to the community,
and we graciously accept the support of those willing to share with us. We just think it makes good business sense to help each other out.
But Seriously. How Else Do We Appreciate Thee? Let Us Count the Ways
$5 or more: Invitation to attend our exclusive, donor-only opening pARTy on Friday, December 5, 2014. You'll be the first to see the finished space, preview the art, sample food and beverages from our partners, and share your thoughts on
what YOU would like to see in the space!
$25 or more: Previous reward plus a ReCreative Spaces limited edition print designed by artist and friend Joseph Nicolia. (He designed our logo, so you know it looks good!)
$50 or more: All previous rewards plus entry into one of our weekly classes, or one hour of rehearsal space rental in our studio.
$100 or more: All previous rewards plus one hour photography session with John or one hour private dance class for up to six people with Emily.
$250 or more: All previous rewards plus two hours of event space rental in our main room.
$500 or more: All previous rewards plus we will create a pARTy just for you! Invite up to twenty of your favorite people to enjoy in some of our favorite art and merrimaking
$1000 or more: All previous rewards plus... Whatever YOU want! You'll help us design a worthy reward. This is ReCREATIVE Spaces afterall...
THANK YOU
From the deepest places in our heARTs, we sincerely thank you for helping us to create a space where
art is for all...
-- John & Emily
