A national and international fundraising campaign has reached its $1 million target to help save The Black Wreath, a volunteer-run live music venue in Alice Springs whose building was put up for sale.
The venue’s founders launched the appeal on August 4, seeking to buy the property and develop the block as a creative hub. The target was reached two days before the September 13 deadline, ahead of a planned weekend of coordinated gigs held in solidarity with the campaign, according to ABC News.
Artists and music industry figures supported the effort, including Amyl and the Sniffers, who performed at The Black Wreath’s Blacken Open Air festival in 2022. Donors also matched pledges, while supporters offered contributions in exchange for items and experiences including T-shirts, records, rings, hats and a future Blacken Open Air festival scheduled for April 30 next year.
The Black Wreath hosts local performances and provides recording and rehearsal facilities. ABC News reported that the venue has helped launch the careers of bands from some of the world’s most remote communities. South East Desert Metal, from Ltyentye Apurta/Santa Teresa, credits the venue with helping the group build a profile that has included performing on the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
Founder Pirate said the fundraising effort had required him to work 12 to 15 hours a day for a month, but described reaching the goal as a major community achievement. He cautioned that the campaign was not the end of the process, saying the group still needed to negotiate with the property’s owners.
Pirate said he hoped to operate The Black Wreath as a foundation, with income supporting local music and arts, touring Central Australian artists beyond the region and bringing other performers to Alice Springs. Chris Wallace of South East Desert Metal told ABC News there was nothing else like the venue in Alice Springs.