HELP MERCERIE MULTI DISCIPLINARY ART SPACE

MERCERIE NEEDS YOU

As an upcoming alternative art space, operating without any fundings, we find ourselves in a fragile situation.

Mercerie was created in March 2023 with the idea to provide an alternative art space, free of use for emerging artists, in this amazing and inspiring building that was partially build by Victor Horta and brought back to live by vzw Miauw after 40Y of inoccupation.

After 2 months of existence, it became very clear that Mercerie fulfils an enormous need toward artists, performers and creators of any kind. We propose them to engage in a place where they can experiment, evolve and perform.

A place where a common ground between the emerging and institutional art scenes is put in motion.

A place where upcoming artists work closely with established artists.

A place where important cultural events such as Kunstenfestivaldesarts , Art Brussels, Collectible Design, chose to be associated with Mercerie during their events.

From our opening (March 2023) until now, we can proudly say that Mercerie welcomed over 300 artists, showed 20 different exhibitions and showcased over 70 performances. Thanks to the talented artists and the visibility Mercerie gave them, several have been contacted by curators or galleries and were gently helped in navigating the challenging path toward becoming self-sufficient artists.

HOW DO WE OPERATE

Each day we receive between 5 and 10 demands to use our space. Each use of the space goes together with a short time of residency where the different artists or performers are guided by the different members of the Mercerie team. Mercerie tends to give technical, logistic, communication and production advice and accompanies the artists until the moment of their performance or exhibition.

Mercerie has an advisory board that consists out of 5 professionals working in the field of contemporary art, dance, performance and digital art. The advisory board can always intervene and advice and be contacted for assistance by the emerging artists when needed.

WHY A CROWD FUNDING?

Due to the overwhelming demands to use the space and the rapid growing of Mercerie, we must admit today that we are victims of our own success.

We exist thanks to the hard work of our interns, volunteers and our staff who putted aside their financial needs to contribute to Mercerie.

We're still operating without any structural funding to sustain Mercerie's daily operations and compensate our hard- working team. In the long run this is not a healthy business model.

Pic by Senne Prazcyc

Initially we could cover our daily expenses with the money we generated at our Mercerie Bar and that worked really well. But due to the enormous struggle we’re having with our permit, the city restricted the functioning of our Bar. We’re obliged to close at 10pm and we cannot play amplified music anymore, so sadly we must admit that we cannot really call it a Bar any more, all the fun is gone, and with the fun, the precious income of the bar to cover our daily expenses.

This whole situation puts us in a very uncomfortable position.

So uncomfortable that we decided to launch a crowd funding.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

So, dear Mercerie fan, if you would like to help us and contribute to this project, feel free to make a donation. We can do a lot with little money, as we already showed in 2023.

If you’re low on money but you think of another way to help us, please do contact us.

We’re thinking of renting out our space, finding a gentle Mecenas who’s willing to support us and the artists financially, helping us with fundings or with our daily tasks. All help is welcome!

For each donation of 50€ we will offer you a delicious cocktail at our Mercerie Bar and for each donation of 100€ you can choose a bottle of natural wine from our cellar!

For larger donations, you can of course send us an e-mail.

HOW DO WE PLAN TO ALLOCATE THE FUNDS?

We have set our target at €15,000. This amount is crucial to sustain our daily operations from March to August 2024, covering a span of six months. The funds will be allocated as follows:

• Providing compensation for our dedicated artists and performers.

• Offering technical guidance and support to our artists.

• Remunerating our valued collaborators

• Ensuring effective communication regarding our activities.

• Additionally, the funds will be used to cover the expenses associated with our venue.

We thank you for your support and love,

The Mercerie Team