UPDATED: So, we reached our goal and we'd like to thank our over 400 donors that made that possible, but every donation still helps. We're trying to build our new kitchen to give us another source of revenue, and that is where you can come in. Check out any of our normal perks, or look for kitchen specific perks, like free meal vouchers and an invitation to our cookout once the kitchen is done. Thanks again, everyone.
Short Summary
Twenty-three years ago, Black Lodge emerged in Memphis with a dream that consumed us: to become one of the greatest film libraries in America. We achieved that, thanks to the hard work of many and the love of art that permeates our city. But over the years, it became so much more than that: a place where aspiring filmmakers met, planned, and learned…a live music venue where all kinds of tastes were welcome and offered…a performance space that saw every type of show imaginable…a place where insane parties raged until dawn…a cultural crossroads where artists would meet, connect, and be heard….a safe haven for all of us, from the everyday people to the offbeat, the bizarre, and the underground of Memphis…And to those of us who worked and lived there, it was something else: home.
But as we grew bigger, it became clear to us that we needed a larger place, somewhere that could house our ever-expanding mission. We needed a new home. And after three long years of hard work, we found it. Just as we were starting to build steam with New Lodge, Covid descended upon the world. We've managed to keep our doors open, continue to rent out movies, but what we've built was never meant to be just a video store. The 8,000 sq ft building we occupy isn't cheap. Without the ability to hold events and throw shows, we've slowly, but surely, begun to run out of money to keep the doors open. We need your help to keep the last video store, the last film library, in Memphis alive.
What We Need & What You Get
We're asking for enough money to pay our rent until we can get to the other side of Covid. It's as simple as that. Right now we're making enough to pay our employees and almost all of our other bills, but rent is what's killing us.
With all of that said, we're trying to offer some very unique, interesting perks to contributors, including merchandise, free membership, private parties, even ownership in the business.
The Impact
If we lose Black Lodge, we lose one of those institutions that makes Memphis unique. The ability to find rare movies, those not streaming anywhere, and the community of film lovers you get to interact with during every visit to the store. We're a film library staffed with very knowledgeable movie fanatics, a place to come watch bizarre, obscure, and hilariously bad films, and an exhibition space for all kinds of artists, be they filmmakers, painters, photographers, dancers, actors, or musicians.
Risks & Challenges
The biggest risk is that we don't make our goal (and beyond) and Lodge closes.
Other Ways You Can Help
We know these are EXTEMELY difficult times for everyone and some people do not have money to contribute. Please share our campaign. Get the word out to your friends and family, even if they don't live in town. We have plenty of great perks we can ship to them, and when they come to visit you, you're going to want to take them to Black Lodge anyway! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for any help you can give. Sharing art with Memphis is our favorite thing in the world and we hope we can continue doing that forever.
