A sign of resiliency: Gay City’s new performance space; photo by Michael Seiwerath

Updates
On schedule.

We recently brought 40 funders through 12th Avenue Arts for a hard hat tour. It was the first time supporters could see the completed volumes of the theaters, and they were impressed.

Perhaps more impressive is that the construction process is on schedule. How is it that an extremely complex $43 Million development can be on schedule, but the average kitchen remodel takes twice as long as planned?

Recent Wins
Among all the construction cranes and new openings in the Pike/Pine area, Gay City quietly opened a new theater space. In the back of Kaladi Brothers Coffee, next to the Gay City offices and their reference library, they have built a simple and intimate performance venue.

At a time when small nonprofits and arts groups are feeling squeezed in the neighborhood, it’s inspiring to see a new venue pop up. Their Calamus Auditorium is already supporting a season of queer arts performance and is looking towards booking fall 2014.

Insight/Provocation
The Gay City performance space is a smart model for collaboration. With the coffee shop up front, the space is much more dynamic in the daytime than an administrative office and theater would be. In the evening, the café is an amenity for theatergoers, and means someone’s watching the front door. More nonprofits should consider partnering with bars, restaurants and cafés.