I. The Move
In 2016, The Firehouse temporarily closed its doors in North Brooklyn to focus on relocation and renovation. In 2018, a state-of-the-art performance space in Sunset Park will reopen as The Firehouse Collective, with expanded studio space, short-term artist residencies, performance stage, and state-of-the-art recording facilities. We are not a successor; we are just using the model and the reputation for the future Firehouse Collective. Our financial statement reflects only projected future numbers.
II. The New Building
Situated within the building at 4812 3rd Avenue, The Firehouse Collective will become an arts center and cultural destination for artists and musicians from across the five boroughs. As with the original space, Sandra Sprecher, artistic director of the Collective, will be operating the public facilities. The new building will be dedicated primarily to music and multimedia, with expanded space and resources for rehearsal/work and performance. The new home will provide real opportunities for community and collectivity with additional areas to socialize and share ideas. The Collective will continue to support artists by providing rehearsal and performance space through a new program offering monthly memberships to performers at low cost. With expanded access comes opportunity for the Collective to provide live/work residencies to artists as well as educational space for after school, evening and summer classes, workshops and meetings. The Firehouse Collective will be a community arts home, providing support to underserved communities of artists, performers and young people. (The organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code).
Upon the dissolution of this organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.
a) Performance space
Performances will be regular events, comprising a music series, similar to the preexisting model (~3-4 events/week). In addition to a full stage and publicly accessible audience zone, the newly constructed performance area will include affordable rental studios.
b) Rehearsal, live/work spaces
Six enclosed studio spaces will serve as locations for rehearsals, individual work/practice, meetings, video/photo shoots, meetings, classes, workshops, etc. Already in the planning stages are summer classes for kids, sponsored by some of the Firehouse’s regular professional musicians. These six spaces will vary in size; three will be live/work, with the intent to sponsor a residency program for musicians and artists visiting NYC, offering them a place to stay, rehearse, and perform.
c) Membership
Artists/musicians renting rehearsal spaces will have the option of membership to the performance space. At a cost of $250/month membership will include nine hours of rehearsal time per week, a performance once every two months, and full access to the green roof and common area. Word travels fast in the arts community, and many musicians, artists and videographers have expressed interest in becoming members of the new Firehouse Collective arts building upon hearing of the new construction. Demand is strong for affordable work/rehearsal space. The Collective anticipates no fewer than thirty members will eventually take part.
III. The Renovation
Following contractor placement, there will be a total renovation of all the floors. Design plans necessarily address the acoustic needs of a building with a performance space and multiple rehearsal spaces. The building will be sustainable, implementing solar panels and excellent insulation. The long-term goal of the renovation is to provide a modern center for music, arts, and education, operating with complete environmental sustainability.
IV. The Request
The Firehouse Collective seeks a $300,000 dollar in grants and donations to cover remaining construction costs, as the final piece of a $1.7 million project. $1.5 million is already funded. Design, plans, and DOB meetings are finished. The Collective is now choosing among the bidders to start the job.
