Ashley Hawkins talks about Studio Two Three’s successful crowdfunding campaign to raise money for a new space.

Transcript:

Hi, I’m Ashley Hawkins, Founder and Executive Director of Studio Two Three, Central Virginia’s only community printmaking studio. We make art work through studio facilities, education, artist residency, and open doors.  Since 2008, when my art school colleagues and I founded Studio Two Three, we have had a lot of success.

Through careful financial planning, smart management, and community support – we quickly outgrew our location.  We had a waitlist for studio space and demand for workshops and events we didn’t have room to provide.  So, in March of 2015, we launched a capital campaign on Indiegogo to raise $15,000 for the completion of our new studio in Scott’s Addition.  In one day alone, we raised 25% of our goal.

As a staff of one, I really had to rely on the support of my board, get organized and be creative. Through a carefully planned social media campaign, viral videos, donation incentives, and community buy-in, we were able to surpass our goal and move in to the new space on time – in May of 2015.

The 7,500 square foot space includes 20 private artist studios, a dedicated classroom space for expanded workshops, a safer, non-toxic, communal print shop, an expanded darkroom and digital lab, and a new storefront. With the success of this campaign, we’re now in a better position to sustain a creative community of practicing and aspiring artists in order to make sure our city remains a destination for people who love, practice, or appreciate art.

Want to learn more about this campaign and other local online fundraising success stories? Join ConnectVA at the Social Media for Nonprofits Conference on May 4th.