Dayton, Kentucky arts and music hub The Lodge has launched a Kickstarter campaign to improve the building’s infrastructure and help the multifaceted venue/studio collective get closer to realizing its goal of becoming a community center for the arts.
“Over the last eight years we have been working to make this dream of creating a community arts center a reality, and with your help we can finally reach this goal,” the Kickstarter page states. “The Lodge will offer public art events, art classes and demonstrations, community meeting space, and a place for artists to work on their crafts.”
The Lodge already has a sterling reputation among area DIY artists upon which to build, giving creators from a variety of disciplines the opportunity (and space) to practice and hone their craft. Artists headquartered in the building include photographers, painters, screen-printers, video artists and other designers. The Lodge has also been a welcoming center for musicians, with live performances, rehearsal space and a variety of recording services, including those of veteran local musician/engineer John Curley, whose Ultrasuede studio relocated to the building after losing its longtime spot in Cincinnati last year.
The crowdfunding campaign is seeking funds to add bathroom facilities and a fire escape. Scott Beseler and the team at The Lodge secured a grant for architectural planning for the new features and need money to bring the plans to fruition.
“There is a need for an organization such as ours in Northern Kentucky, as much of the funding and attention for the arts goes to our neighbors to the North in Cincinnati,” the mission statement on the Kickstarter page continues. “We also serve as an incubator that helps recent college graduates find the tools and support that they need to stay on the path of a creative career. Bringing people together to experience and learn with art and music will serve as a catalyst for positive growth in our community.”
There are several pledge perks available for those who donate. Check out the pitch video below and click here for more info.
This article appears in May 1-8, 2019.