In May 2024 - with a DC Arts Commission grant - and tremendous community support including $350,000 in donations and loans raised in just two months - and without the involvement of a bank or other financial institution - Rhizome DC BOUGHT A BUILDING to secure our future against the threat of redevelopment of our beloved original location.

Since then we have - with teams of volunteers - cleared out cabinetry, exam tables, all the detritus of a former medical clinic - pulled down outdated wiring, fluorescent light fixtures, ductwork - introduced ourselves to the local ANC. And - with a team of licensed professionals - gutted the building of all asbestos-containing materials - that is, all interior walls and flooring.

We are excited to announce that we have just received another DCCAH grant, this time for $175,000. We are ready to move forward with our vision of adding a second level to accommodate dedicated gallery and outdoor space. And for that, we need your help!

Rhizome is first and foremost a COMMUNITY SPACE. While we are widely known for intimate, mind-blowing, genre-bending performances, our vision has always drawn from a commitment to providing space and resources for community education, community gathering, community power. In the house on Maple Street, having flexible space upstairs has allowed for an inspiring series of exhibits that consistently push against art-world conventions and capitalistic assumptions and values. Having a yard has allowed for a huge array of open-air workshops and open-ended space just to be together. We are keenly aware that the ambiance of house and yard is not replicable - but, and, we know that the vision can translate onto new spatial forms, provided the basics are there.

The basics are:
-ADA-compliant bathrooms
-a second exit added to the front of the building (required by code)
-new electric and plumbing
-structural elements of a second level and roof terrace
-stairs and wheelchair lift
-a new roof
-new energy-efficient HVAC equipment

As with the demolition work, we are committed to doing as much as possible ourselves in order to keep costs down. And, we will hire licensed professionals to do the things that by code and by good sense ought to be left to professionals. We have met with several contractors who are open to working with us in line with this approach.

We raised $350,000 in April and May. Our second and final goal is to raise $200,000 more in combined donations and loans by March 1, 2025. (All loans will be added to the total on this page.)

For those who have already supported, we offer our deepest gratitude, and we encourage you to pass this along to someone who might be able to help.

For those who are just finding us or haven't yet supported, any amount helps!

Please visit https://www.rhizomedc.org/future if you are interested in learning more about loaning us money, if you'd like to read more of the backstory, or if you have relevant skills that might help us going forward.

DC needs lasting spaces that showcase and support marginalized artists and artforms. We are proud and grateful to serve as a model for what's possible by combining public funding with a broad base of supporters who individually may have modest means but come together to make outsize impacts.

We are VERY EXCITED to have a "forever home" in the works. We are DEEPLY GRATEFUL for the amazing outpouring of support we have received thusfar. We are FULLY DEDICATED to continuing to provide a valued and loved community resource and gathering space for years to come.

Please share this campaign!

Thank you!

P.S. If you would like to donate using a Donor Advised Fund, please select "donate by check" and send us an email at info@rhizomedc.org.

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Irreversible Entanglements at Rhizome -

Aaron Maier's "Suburbia" at Rhizome -

Move Move Collaborative at Rhizome -

"artist's rendering" of new building facade -

Help Rhizome Open Our Forever Home

By RHIZOMEDC INC

Help Rhizome Open Our Forever Home