Main fundraiser photo

The Observatory Chicago COVID-Relief Fund

Donation protected

Help us at the Observatory keep the space you know and love alive!!!

The Observatory is a long-running institution in the Chicago DIY scene, having a uniquely consistent presence in the city's underground music history. Situated in a century-old furniture warehouse in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, the space has endured for two decades in a rapidly changing urban reality inhospitable to unincorporated arts spaces. First utilized artistically in the mid to late 90s as a live/work space by theater students from nearby Depaul University, dozens of residents over the years have lent to its storied and multidisciplinary history. Operating mainly as a music venue and art gallery that has hosted hundreds of shows throughout the 2000s, the space has previously included a full-time recording studio where many local records were made.

 The decision does not come lightly to ask for help, but we feel we have approached an impasse due to COVID 19 and our inability to host live shows during the pandemic. Historically, the 10 residents of the space have been able to offset the costs of living by applying a small percentage of the donations received at shows towards utilities and upkeep. This income has been the lifeline that has kept the space’s rent manageable for over a decade.


We are now at a point where we are reaching out to our community for a helping hand. The winter is approaching and it has been over 7 months without a live show. We are in dire need of funding to help with paying rent and keeping up with the costs of the space. We are hoping to stay creative with upcoming projects if the Observatory can survive this trying time. We want nothing more than for the space to continue serving the Chicago community as a musical safe-haven for years to come in the post-pandemic world. 

Please share widely within your social circles and to anyone who has experienced the joy and love of the Observatory Chicago!

https://vamstudio.net/DIY-A-Docu-Series 

Donate

Donations 

  • charles wilson jr
    • $100 
    • 1 yr
  • Brian Sheridan
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
  • Daniel Kalina
    • $5 
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
  • Bri Dorgan
    • $25 
    • 3 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Dylan Hackett
Organizer
Chicago, IL

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.