Arabic version: المعجبون يجمعون مليون دولار لحماية قاعة موسيقية في أليس سبرينغز
According to ABC News, supporters have raised $1 million to help save The Black Wreath, a volunteer-run live music venue in Alice Springs, after its landlord put the property up for sale. The venue’s founders launched the appeal on August 4, seeking to buy the building and develop the whole block into a creative hub.
The campaign reached its $1 million goal two days before its September 13 deadline, ahead of a weekend of coordinated solidarity gigs around the country. Artists and music industry figures, including Amyl and the Sniffers, backed the effort, while some donors matched pledges dollar for dollar. Founder Pirate, who said he barely used social media before the appeal, posted daily videos during the month-long push.
The Black Wreath hosts local performances and provides recording and rehearsal space for artists. South East Desert Metal, from Ltyentye Apurta/Santa Teresa, credits the venue with helping its success. Lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Wallace said The Black Wreath found the band and “made us who we are.”
Pirate said the fundraising result was a major community achievement but not the end of the process. Organisers must negotiate with the owners, while fulfilling campaign pledges that include merchandise and Blacken Open Air, a festival planned for April 30 next year. Pirate hopes the property can operate as a foundation, with income supporting local music and arts, touring Central Australian artists and bringing performers to Alice Springs.
