Innovative funding platform, Kickstarter.com to help raise money for musical equipment

Art Lab Fort Collins, known for its unique perspective on the Arts & Culture scene in Fort Collins is now taking a fresh look at fundraising. Art Lab has launched a project on KickStarter.com, the fundraising website, to raise much needed funds to buy musical equipment.

Kickstarter is a new way to fund creative ideas and ambitious endeavors powered by a unique all-or-nothing funding method where projects must be fully-funded within a limited time frame or no money changes hands. Project supporters get fun, tangible rewards in exchange for their financial support. Pledges start at $5 and every supporter gets a reward. Supporters of the Art lab project will receive original mini intaglio prints, Art Lab ReShirts or screen printed posters. Pledge $500 or more and the Art Lab house band, Speed Whiskers, will bring the rock right to your doorstep with a private concert.

Art Lab’s co-founder and fairy godmother, Dawn Putney thinks Kickstarter and Art Lab are a perfect match. “Art Lab is an experimental space that supports creative expression of all sorts. Bring us a concept, and we’ll throw it up on the walls and see if it sticks. Kickstarter follows this same model and provides an easy, fun, interactive way to support great ideas.”

In just over a year of operation, Art Lab has hosted local and traveling musicians of every ilk, regional theatre, performance artist, modern dance troupes and fine art from nationally established artists, first time exhibitors, children, teens and adults with developmental disabilities.

Art Lab godfather and drummer, Tom Campbell talks about the need for musical equipment. “We provide a space for anyone who wants to express themselves musically. Some folks have their own gear but some do not. We don’t want the lack of equipment to hinder anyone’s creative expression. We have a drum set, piano and killer 1951 Hammond organ. We could use a PA, guitar and bass to round out the collection.” Instruments are open to the public during open hours and for open jam nights the fourth Friday of the month. “We’ve had people walk in off the street, sit down and bang out perfect classical pieces on the piano. It’s amazing. Those are just magical Art Lab moments.”

Pledges can be made through September 7th. Search Art Lab at Kickstarter.com, or visit ArtLabFortCollins.org and click on the Kickstarter video.

Art Lab Fort Collins is FREE and open to the public. For more information about this project or upcoming events, visit www.ArtLabFortCollins.org, call (970) 368-2278 or email dawn@artlabfortcollins.org. View videos of Art Lab Fort Collins on YouTube.

ABOUT ART LAB FORT COLLINS
Art Lab Fort Collins is a community arts and culture project that was born from Toolbox Creative (toolboxcreative.com) and friends coming together and is now inviting all to experiment, participate, and create. This experimental art space was created by a group of local artists and business leaders the summer of 2009 to bring life to the empty store fronts of Old Town Fort Collins. Art Lab is an economic development initiative that incubates the future of the creative community in Fort Collins by transforming under-appreciated retail locations into an innovative arts and cultural opportunity, making it possible for the local creative industry to innovate and experiment on bold new projects. It revives potential establishments, and inspires current and future entrepreneurs. Visit www.ArtLabFortCollins.org or contact (970) 368-2278 for more information.