Support Chicago Artists + Communities by #GivingTuesday
Hello Friend,
This year, on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, 2nd Floor Rear is participating in #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving. In #GivingTuesday’s own words:
“Last year, more than 30,000 organizations in 68 countries came together to celebrate #GivingTuesday. Since its founding in 2012, #GivingTuesday has inspired giving around the world, resulting in greater donations, volunteer hours, and activities that bring about real change in communities. We invite you to join the movement and to help get out the give this December 1.”
Chicago has a robust, little-known history of showing art in “apartment galleries” and small, seemingly random venues. We started 2nd Floor Rear because we wanted there to be a designated moment to highlight this phenomenon and draw uninitiated audiences to underground events. But 2nd Floor Rear isn’t just about bringing great work to the public. It’s about building creative communities and advocating for artistic labor. Each year, over half of our total budget goes to paid creative labor and artists’ support. We also buy and rent locally whenever possible, targeting businesses and community organizations that reflect our values.
In other words, we don’t just throw a great art party. We invest in local culture.
There couldn’t be a more critical time to contribute to 2nd Floor Rear’s efforts. Right now, Illinois is facing a budget crisis. Programs all over the state have been suspended until a new budget passes, and once one does, it’s no secret that arts and culture sectors will very likely feel the pinch. As a result, grants 2nd Floor Rear might have been eligible for are no longer available.
This is happening at a pivotal moment in 2nd Floor Rear’s development. We want the festival to serve artists and audiences city-wide, so we’re adding a second festival location this year on the South Side, and bringing in a Pilsen-based curator to run the show in their home neighborhood. We’re also thinking long-term—we signed on with the Goodcity Non-profit Incubator Program and plan to incorporate as a 501c3 by next fall. These are big steps for our humble startup, and without the grant support we anticipated, we need your help to fill in the financial gaps.
Here’s how to join in the giving spirit and invest in local culture, creative labor, and a fledgling organization that’s poised for some serious growth:
- Follow this link to our Indiegogo campaign: indiegogo.com/projects/2nd-floor-rear-2016#/
- Click on the pink “contribute now” button on the right side of the page.
- Spread the word! Share our campaign on social media, and don’t forget to use our hashtags: #2ndfloorrear #2FR2016 #givingtuesday #ILgive #donatingiscollaborating
- Pat yourself on the back. You gave a some love today, and the world is a little bit better for it.
As an added bonus, If we raise $1,000 by the end of December 1, all #GivingTuesday contributors will receive an artist-designed postcard, regardless of the amount pledged.
And thanks to our fiscal sponsor, all contributions are tax-deductible.
When 2nd Floor Rear got going back in 2012, we started it with nothing but an email account, a big idea, and bunch of creative friends. Now it’s our fifth anniversary. We still have a bunch of creative friends and even more big ideas. We’re growing as an organization, and as a community. Bringing 2nd Floor Rear to life has been a pretty magical experience so far.
We’re so glad you’re here to help make it happen.
? Much love,
Katie Waddell, Director