Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
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Congrats to the crew behind the newToy Boat Toy Boat Toy Boat Community Arts Space, coming to Asheville this month and funded by fans on June 2 via Kickstarter. The new space gives Asheville’s circus arts community (jugglers, acrobats, trapeze artists, aerialists, stilt walkers, puppeteers and more) a place to gather, rehearse, practice and even perform.
Eighty-one backers were able to pledge anywhere from $5 to $2000 for perks including posters, circus arts lessons, a circus-a-gram and a Surprise Mystery Tube (“no one has ever been disappointed”).
The new Facebook page calls it “An affordable, inclusive space where anyone can learn, teach, practice, meet & perform their skills.” Though the space is based in circus arts, it is open to all art forms. The Grand Opening soft opening is June 9, details here.
The space is in Biltmore Village next to the French Broad Brewing Co., in the site formerly known as The Garage at 101 Fairview Road, Suite B.
The Toy Boat team is the same group behind the Runaway Circus, whose creative annual all-ages circus shows are one of my favorite Asheville events every year. The group is already booking events, shows, private parties, classes, etc. at the new space.
Here in Asheville, North Carolina, we have a thriving community of performers, musicians, artist and generally crafty, fun folks. Some of people’s talents include juggling, acrobatics, trapeze, aerial silks, stilt walking, playing music, painting, belly dancing, tap dancing, puppeteering, harvesting herbs, helping people and so much more!! There is no lack of talent, but there is a lack of a permanent affordable space to practice and perform in!!
That’s where we come in! Toy Boat Toy Boat Toy Boat is a community arts space available for studio work, practice, rehearsal, teaching, learning and performing. We’ve found a potential space for the Toy Boat! Yaaaaaay! It has high ceilings, a large space for rehearsing and performing, a stage, and separate rooms that may be used as offices, studios or a library! The great people who are in the space want to sell us their business!
How will Kickstarter funds be used?
The funds from this Kickstarter will go to help us out with our start up costs to get the space up and running….rental and utility deposits, permits, insurance, inspections, aerial rigging, and even toilet paper! The Toy Boat will be a home for performance groups, musicians and non-profits.
