The heart of the city is home to some world-class entertainment establishments, and its the comedy clubs, the music venues and performing arts groups that make it possible for our city centre to offer the unique 24/7 experience that we all know and love. The first half of this year has been a struggle for many businesses across New Zealand, and our arts and culture venues are really feeling the loss that has resulted from COVID-19 restrictions.
We want to make sure they are able to open back up once the dust settles, and there are plenty of ways we can continue to support them - from pre-purchasing a seat at the Comedy Club, to simply making a donation to a venue - every little bit counts and will contribute to helping keep the arts and culture scene alive and beating in the city centre.
Q Theatre have a goal to raise $150,000 by the end of the May (Friday 29th) to support their re-opening in 2021.
"Like many others, COVID-19 has hit us hard. Since closing our doors we’ve lost 85% of our income as well as most of the events we’d lined up this for the year. With pay cuts, staffing reductions and expenses stripped back to bare bones there is still a shortfall we cannot fill.
We are incredibly proud of all that Q has achieved, bringing audiences together with theatre, comedy, dance, music and a killer cocktail or two. Our community's love of the Q experience has helped us present over 5,500 performances and change the landscape of the arts in Tāmaki Makaurau".
Head to Help Q Get Through to make a donation of your choice to help them reach their goal of raising $150,000 by May 29.
Become a Basement Mate to receive awesome discounts all while supporting artists and keeping Basement Theatre up and running.
"Imagine Netflix, but for live performance - Basement Mates is a monthly subscription (or a one-off yearly payment if you're a baller!). When you sign up, you'll receive a special membership card and rad Basement pin to gain access to Basement Mates discounts and opportunities.
Basement Mates receive:
- $20 tickets for all shows ($15 if you're 25 and under!)
- 15% off house beer and wine at the bar
- Access to some pretty awesome content
- Tailored recommendations
- Some freebies along the way!"
Head to Basement Theatre's Basement Mates page on their website to find out more about becoming a Basement Mate.
From as little as $10, The Classic is asking for donations to 'save a seat'. The COVID-19 crisis has seen The Classic miss out on it's busiest months of the year with the NZ International Comedy Festival not being able to take place, as well as their usual nights filled with all-star comedy. This has meant the Classic has had a major loss in income and is looking to the public to lend a helping hand. With the Classic's 'Save a Seat' initiative, you can donate as little as $10 to save a seat for a show at a later date. If you can donate the price of a seat today, The Classic can exchange your donation for a Ticket to Laugh when they're back up and running as usual.
Head to The Classic Comedy Comeback to save your seat.
Cassette Nine needs help to raise $50,000 by June 3 so that they can re-open and welcome back local and international bands and DJ’s to this fun venue, known for providing a great atmosphere to party the night away.
"Cassette needs the backing of its community more than ever before which is why we are reaching out to you. Covid-19 has had a huge effect on the entertainment and hospitality industry and we all know that venues like Cassette are so needed. Cassette’s diversity and inclusive nature has consistently welcomed people from all walks of life through its doors and we really want to keep doing what we do for our team and Auckland's music scene".
Head to Boosted to make a donation to Cassette Nine's We Love Cassette fundraising page.
Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
Auckland Live has set up an amazing donation page to help support the many organisations that create and perform the shows we love to go and see. Support organisations such as the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Auckland Arts Festival, the Writers Festival, Comedy Festival and the NZ International Film Festival, so that they can come back and grace the stages of the city centre.
Head to Auckland Live's donate to the arts page to see how you can help these groups stay afloat.
Image credit: Ding Dong Lounge Facebook Page
Ding Dong Lounge are aiming to raise $20,000 by June 8 so that they can re-open and "continue to provide one-in-a-lifetime experiences for music lovers".
Ding Dong Lounge originated in New York City, opening in 2001, with a second location opening in Melbourne in 2003. " In 2013, Auckland was granted permission to open one of New York's most celebrated punk rock establishments here in New Zealand with the help and support of Kiwi music legends as the country’s home for rock music. Sadly, both the original New York and Melbourne bars have had their last call and are no longer open, and Auckland is now the only remaining bar left to continue the rich history and legacy of music and friendship".
Head to Ding Dong Lounge's Boosted page to donate, and help them reach their $20,000 target by June 8.