GAMBA Compound Fundraiser
Donation protected
What is GAMBA
GAMBA is the Generation of Authentic, Momentary, Boundless Art in all forms. The collaboration started four years ago as a provocative art and literary publication created to challenge set truths, and evolved into monthly events, an artist residency and eventually an art space/gallery called GAMBA Forest. GAMBA Forest is a familial artist community cultivated and nurtured via shows, classes, discussions, readings and productions to support independent artists in presenting and celebrating their work. Gamba was founded by Melissa Hunter Gurney & Christopher Carr - two working artists committed to authentic art and purpose driven productions.
What makes GAMBA unique is the artists who participate and the fact that it is a community oriented space. We do not have any financial backers/sponsors, we are not funded by any institution or government program, we do not take advertising or allow people to pay us to be featured in our literary journal or at our shows. Gamba is a space for authenticity, fringe ideas, disenfranchised voices and marginalized folks. In the past year we’ve hosted over 150 events. We’ve hosted discussions about world conflict, the trans community in hip hop, movement in the arts, prison reform, women & people of color in the technology industry and a myriad of other subjects. We’ve hosted live shows featuring acoustic performers, classical musicians, theatrical presentations, live bands, hip hop artists, dancers, performance artists and experimental installation art. We are a place for people to hang out and feel welcome, feel comfortable being themselves no matter how far outside of the socially dictated “norm”. We are a laboratory for social thought experiments, a think tank, and creative problem solving hub for the indie community. Our goal is sustainability for us and the artists in this community in conjunction with the local business, residents and travelers that we engage.
Our space is important not only because of what it is but also because of what it is not. It is not a space that allows for toxic masculinity, micro aggressions, systematic expressions of hate and discrimination. It is not a space where you have to worry about being harassed because of the way you dress or made fun of because of your gender expressions. It is a place for people from all over the world, who have vastly different experiences and beliefs, to gather, build, communicate, exchange, make art, create ideas, and inspire others in ways that are real.
ABOUT THE COMPOUND: It is a 2000 sq ft space at the border of East Williamsburg and Greenpoint. The entire space is a set of raw garages with wood beamed ceilings, tin covered walls and tons of raw potential. It is currently partitioned into 4 units and there is a concrete courtyard with lighting and lanterns in the center. There is one bathroom located adjacent to the courtyard. The back unit has a waste line so an additional bathroom could be built/installed. Across the courtyard from the commercial unit is a residential unit with two tenants and a carriage house with two bedrooms, kitchen, two bathrooms and living area that is used for AIr B and B and sleeps 5 people. We hope to have the carriage house filled with our artist residents bringing 5 new artists from around the globe to create with us.
COME SEE THE COMPOUND: GAMBA Forest is hosting an OPEN HOUSE for people who want to see more or rent space alongside the GAMBA Community. We are open to all types of businesses or individual work spaces but those interested must be able to pay anywhere from 1000-4000 a month consistently. We have varying spaces to work with and can build to create smaller spaces within larger spaces if necessary. Benefits of running a space within the GAMBA compound include:
Being surrounded by independent artists of all types
Shared outdoor event space
Carriage house available for rent if you are ever interested in hosting a retreat for employees or patrons
Gallery next door
Community building with several different businesses or studios whom all benefit from each other
Why are we fundraising?
Without non-profit, corporation or institution status it is very difficult to get grants. GAMBA is totally independent and has been funded up to this point by our personal funds and community support. We have already invested more than $5000 into the space and have run out of money. In order to properly transform this new space, we are seeking assistance from the community and people that support our work. We simply cannot afford to do all that it would take to make this space awesome with only our personal funds.
Here is what your funds would be put towards:
CONSTRUCTION Quoted between 3000 and 5000 for the following
- All 3 of the garages/spaces sealed for water, vermin and weather proofing
- Sheet rock and walls built
- Walls demolished
- New entryway built
- Panels in garage door replaced with glass
- Tile/floor finishing/wood
- Cleaning and restoring all the metal paneling on the walls
- Removal of any useless materials, wires, and previous construction
ELECTRICAL WORK $2500
18 Sockets , Switches , Wall Sconces , Exhaust Fans in the Ceiling. , Space Heater going with new wiring and Thermostat, new Panel or new Breakers if the old Panel is to be used, Industrial heater.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
lamps
Lighting fixers
Antiques to hang from ceiling
Paint
Lighting for the courtyard
Planters
ELECTRONICS for communal use:
Laptops $2000
VR gear $1200
Recording equipment $700
Cameras $2500
Virtual reality equipment so we can host workshops on development and technology
New laptop fully equipped with editing software and etc..
Here are some of the different ways that you can donate:
Funds: Anything from 50 cents to 2000 dollars helps
Spread the Word if you don't have the funds but know some people or businesses that support the arts; send this event page their way and tell them what we are about and why a space like ours is necessary for independent artists in new Brooklyn.
Grant Writing: If you are a grant writer, know a grant writer or know of a grant that may suit this venture communicate with us, introduce us, help us get it done.
Book Our Space: Book a photo shoot, video shoot, class, workshop and put the rental fee any door fee to the build out and sustainability of the space.
Lift a Hand: GAMBA will need various types of construction so anyone in the industry who can donate some time for free or a discounted price makes a huge difference.
Send Positive Vibes - we appreciate it!!!
ARTICLES AND PRESS:
https://greenpointers.com/2017/08/04/greenpoints-eclectic-art-performance-space-gamba-forest-moving-needs-help/
https://www.nomadicpress.org/interviews/melissagurneychriscarr
https://www.mixcloud.com/acrossthemarginthepodcast/episode-25-into-the-heart-of-the-gamba-forest/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3e8iFMldc4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtsfUPSEQrI
http://www.lunalark.com/home/gambazine-presents-gamba-forest
http://acrossthemargin.com/podcast/
THANK YOU for taking the time to read this and for bringing your love, your creativity and your inspiration to GAMBA Forest this year - right now all of this transition feels a bit scary but we're hoping the universe, the community and any other outside forces will be on our side and we'll have something great to celebrate come mid winter. If you have any questions or ideas feel free to contct us.
SOME WORDS FROM OUR COMMUNITY
“I have learned so much from performing there and watching other acts. It creates a space where people can be themselves but dare to be more.” (Nicole Goodwin)
“To me GAMBA Forest is representative of the diversity our society occupies. It is literally a safe haven to those who identify as “different” or who stand opposed to normative routine, GAMBA is the world, GAMBA is what the world could be.” (Young Toussaint)
“Communities like GAMBA are the most important thing in life besides the basics like food, shelter and freedom that sustain us as living, conscious beings with time and agency to create. GAMBA is a step ladder to self actualization through conversation and communal learning. . . it helps us become what we have waiting in us.” (Craig Kite)
“You guys are my extended family and I’m so grateful to you both.” (Amiri Rasul)
website:
http://gambazine.com
GAMBA is the Generation of Authentic, Momentary, Boundless Art in all forms. The collaboration started four years ago as a provocative art and literary publication created to challenge set truths, and evolved into monthly events, an artist residency and eventually an art space/gallery called GAMBA Forest. GAMBA Forest is a familial artist community cultivated and nurtured via shows, classes, discussions, readings and productions to support independent artists in presenting and celebrating their work. Gamba was founded by Melissa Hunter Gurney & Christopher Carr - two working artists committed to authentic art and purpose driven productions.
What makes GAMBA unique is the artists who participate and the fact that it is a community oriented space. We do not have any financial backers/sponsors, we are not funded by any institution or government program, we do not take advertising or allow people to pay us to be featured in our literary journal or at our shows. Gamba is a space for authenticity, fringe ideas, disenfranchised voices and marginalized folks. In the past year we’ve hosted over 150 events. We’ve hosted discussions about world conflict, the trans community in hip hop, movement in the arts, prison reform, women & people of color in the technology industry and a myriad of other subjects. We’ve hosted live shows featuring acoustic performers, classical musicians, theatrical presentations, live bands, hip hop artists, dancers, performance artists and experimental installation art. We are a place for people to hang out and feel welcome, feel comfortable being themselves no matter how far outside of the socially dictated “norm”. We are a laboratory for social thought experiments, a think tank, and creative problem solving hub for the indie community. Our goal is sustainability for us and the artists in this community in conjunction with the local business, residents and travelers that we engage.
Our space is important not only because of what it is but also because of what it is not. It is not a space that allows for toxic masculinity, micro aggressions, systematic expressions of hate and discrimination. It is not a space where you have to worry about being harassed because of the way you dress or made fun of because of your gender expressions. It is a place for people from all over the world, who have vastly different experiences and beliefs, to gather, build, communicate, exchange, make art, create ideas, and inspire others in ways that are real.
ABOUT THE COMPOUND: It is a 2000 sq ft space at the border of East Williamsburg and Greenpoint. The entire space is a set of raw garages with wood beamed ceilings, tin covered walls and tons of raw potential. It is currently partitioned into 4 units and there is a concrete courtyard with lighting and lanterns in the center. There is one bathroom located adjacent to the courtyard. The back unit has a waste line so an additional bathroom could be built/installed. Across the courtyard from the commercial unit is a residential unit with two tenants and a carriage house with two bedrooms, kitchen, two bathrooms and living area that is used for AIr B and B and sleeps 5 people. We hope to have the carriage house filled with our artist residents bringing 5 new artists from around the globe to create with us.
COME SEE THE COMPOUND: GAMBA Forest is hosting an OPEN HOUSE for people who want to see more or rent space alongside the GAMBA Community. We are open to all types of businesses or individual work spaces but those interested must be able to pay anywhere from 1000-4000 a month consistently. We have varying spaces to work with and can build to create smaller spaces within larger spaces if necessary. Benefits of running a space within the GAMBA compound include:
Being surrounded by independent artists of all types
Shared outdoor event space
Carriage house available for rent if you are ever interested in hosting a retreat for employees or patrons
Gallery next door
Community building with several different businesses or studios whom all benefit from each other
Why are we fundraising?
Without non-profit, corporation or institution status it is very difficult to get grants. GAMBA is totally independent and has been funded up to this point by our personal funds and community support. We have already invested more than $5000 into the space and have run out of money. In order to properly transform this new space, we are seeking assistance from the community and people that support our work. We simply cannot afford to do all that it would take to make this space awesome with only our personal funds.
Here is what your funds would be put towards:
CONSTRUCTION Quoted between 3000 and 5000 for the following
- All 3 of the garages/spaces sealed for water, vermin and weather proofing
- Sheet rock and walls built
- Walls demolished
- New entryway built
- Panels in garage door replaced with glass
- Tile/floor finishing/wood
- Cleaning and restoring all the metal paneling on the walls
- Removal of any useless materials, wires, and previous construction
ELECTRICAL WORK $2500
18 Sockets , Switches , Wall Sconces , Exhaust Fans in the Ceiling. , Space Heater going with new wiring and Thermostat, new Panel or new Breakers if the old Panel is to be used, Industrial heater.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
lamps
Lighting fixers
Antiques to hang from ceiling
Paint
Lighting for the courtyard
Planters
ELECTRONICS for communal use:
Laptops $2000
VR gear $1200
Recording equipment $700
Cameras $2500
Virtual reality equipment so we can host workshops on development and technology
New laptop fully equipped with editing software and etc..
Here are some of the different ways that you can donate:
Funds: Anything from 50 cents to 2000 dollars helps
Spread the Word if you don't have the funds but know some people or businesses that support the arts; send this event page their way and tell them what we are about and why a space like ours is necessary for independent artists in new Brooklyn.
Grant Writing: If you are a grant writer, know a grant writer or know of a grant that may suit this venture communicate with us, introduce us, help us get it done.
Book Our Space: Book a photo shoot, video shoot, class, workshop and put the rental fee any door fee to the build out and sustainability of the space.
Lift a Hand: GAMBA will need various types of construction so anyone in the industry who can donate some time for free or a discounted price makes a huge difference.
Send Positive Vibes - we appreciate it!!!
ARTICLES AND PRESS:
https://greenpointers.com/2017/08/04/greenpoints-eclectic-art-performance-space-gamba-forest-moving-needs-help/
https://www.nomadicpress.org/interviews/melissagurneychriscarr
https://www.mixcloud.com/acrossthemarginthepodcast/episode-25-into-the-heart-of-the-gamba-forest/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3e8iFMldc4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtsfUPSEQrI
http://www.lunalark.com/home/gambazine-presents-gamba-forest
http://acrossthemargin.com/podcast/
THANK YOU for taking the time to read this and for bringing your love, your creativity and your inspiration to GAMBA Forest this year - right now all of this transition feels a bit scary but we're hoping the universe, the community and any other outside forces will be on our side and we'll have something great to celebrate come mid winter. If you have any questions or ideas feel free to contct us.
SOME WORDS FROM OUR COMMUNITY
“I have learned so much from performing there and watching other acts. It creates a space where people can be themselves but dare to be more.” (Nicole Goodwin)
“To me GAMBA Forest is representative of the diversity our society occupies. It is literally a safe haven to those who identify as “different” or who stand opposed to normative routine, GAMBA is the world, GAMBA is what the world could be.” (Young Toussaint)
“Communities like GAMBA are the most important thing in life besides the basics like food, shelter and freedom that sustain us as living, conscious beings with time and agency to create. GAMBA is a step ladder to self actualization through conversation and communal learning. . . it helps us become what we have waiting in us.” (Craig Kite)
“You guys are my extended family and I’m so grateful to you both.” (Amiri Rasul)
website:
http://gambazine.com
Organizer and beneficiary
Christoph Carr
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY
Melissa Gurney
Beneficiary