message from Eyedrum

From: Allen Welty-Green agmedia@mindspring.com
Subject: Eyedrum events: July 22-31
Date: Jul 21, 2009 12:17 AM

We want to alert anyone who has not yet heard: Faced with a heavy rent burden and ever-increasing operating expenses, Eyedrum's board of directors held an emergency meeting Sunday, July 11, to consider the survival of the longtime art and music organization.

The options are few. They include a significant decrease in rent, bringing on other Atlanta-based arts organizations to sublet part of the 6,000-square-foot space, a move to a smaller space, or an end to the award-winning venue altogether.

Having just celebrated 10 years in October 2008, the demise of Atlanta's longest-running alternative art and music space would be a huge loss to the Atlanta community. Eyedrum consistently has been a nurturing ground for creativity and progressive thinking in that time.

The board is now in negotiation with its landlord, Braden Fellman, and will reconvene soon to discuss any developments on rent reduction, and to consider proposals from other arts organizations. Arts organizations and investors who are interested in partnering with Eyedrum should contact Vice Chairman Allen Welty Green at agmedia@mindspring.com.

Any donations received through Eyedrum's website (http://www.eyedrum.org) will be directed toward operating expenses. And while such donations are greatly appreciated, the urgency and severity of Eyedrum's financial burden cannot be overstated. Without a hefty reduction in overhead costs, a major move - physically or in terms of the organization's identity - is unavoidable.

Supporters possessed of more time than money are reminded that Eyedrum always welcomes the energy of new volunteers.