Support Arbitrarium Music Collective in Becoming a Co-op!
"Life Skills" performing at the Arbitrarium, March 2024.
The Arbitrarium has been a haven for Minneapolis musicians for the past 13 years. They're in need of support to officially incorporate as a housing cooperative, and they're short on time, as the landlord would like to sell the house as soon as possible.
"We want to purchase the property that we live in and continue to operate it as shared housing for creatives. This is an opportunity for more neighborhood and community engagement, as well as more attention on capital improvement, both of which were challenging while signed onto a traditional residential lease. We have formed a 308(a) cooperative and are working with NASCO to continue to develop our organization, maintaining as closely as possible the ongoing culture of the house." - Arbitrarium Member, Gerald Prokop
Learn more and donate to Arbitrarium
Press Release, August 24, 2024
Minneapolis Arts Housing Cooperative Faces Critical Fundraising Deadline
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Minneapolis, MN - August 24, 2024:
South Minneapolis Cooperative at a Crossroads
The Arbitrarium, a groundbreaking arts housing cooperative and DIY music venue in South Minneapolis, is at a critical fundraising crossroads as it strives to become the first community-owned cooperative of its kind in Minnesota. Having received a final extension, the cooperative must secure a significant portion of its $50,000 fundraising goal by November 1st to receive final loan approval.
A Legacy of Creativity and Community
For 13 years, The Arbitrarium has been a cornerstone of the local cultural community, offering affordable living and creative space for low-income artists and musicians. With affordable creative spaces becoming increasingly scarce, this transformation represents a crucial victory for local artists and community members.
From Punk House to Permanent Haven
Rooted in the punk house tradition—a communal living space deeply tied to the DIY ethos of the punk subculture—The Arbitrarium has long been a hub for creative expression, political activism, and community building. Its cooperative transformation secures a permanent space where creativity can flourish, free from the pressures of rising rents and gentrification.
A Broader Vision for Affordable Artist Housing: Following the Cooperative Model
This transition aligns with a broader vision of preserving sustainable and affordable artist housing. Similar initiatives have proven successful across North America, such as Boston's Humphreys Street Studios and Midway Studios, as well as Toronto's large-scale co-op housing project near Kennedy subway station. These examples demonstrate the potential of cooperative models to secure affordable spaces for creatives and ensure vibrant cultural communities can continue to thrive.
Community Support and Fundraising Progress: Momentum Builds Despite Challenges
The journey toward cooperative ownership has garnered incredible community support. Early fundraising efforts raised $2,500 in the first month, and a January house show added another $380. With development assistance from Shared Capital, LEAF, the Kagawa Fund, and NASCO, The Arbitrarium has continued to make progress. Currently, the cooperative has raised nearly $13,000 toward its $50,000 goal. However, with one final extension from the seller, the cooperative must secure the majority of funds by September 15th to move forward with loan approval.
Forging New Partnerships and Building the Future: Expanding the Vision
Looking ahead, The Arbitrarium Housing Cooperative is building strong partnerships with local organizations like the Seward Neighborhood Group and the Matthews North Block Club, which recognize the cooperative as a vital community asset. There is also growing interest in creating similar cooperatives across the neighborhood, expanding the vision of sustainable, affordable artist housing in Minneapolis.
“This is crunch time for The Arbitrarium,” said Gerald Prokop, Co-op Member and Treasurer. “We are calling on the community to rally behind this vital project and help us reach our fundraising goal. The Arbitrarium will provide much-needed affordable housing and creative space for artists in our community, and we are determined to make it a reality."
To continue its legacy of hosting music events, art shows, and community gatherings, the cooperative is organizing a series of fundraising events, including a performance by queer punk duo The Dirty Pretty on August 25. “We’re organizing weekly small performance events and two or three larger ones as fundraisers to support the cooperative. Details will be announced soon,” Prokop added.
A Call to Action
As the closing date fast approaches, The Arbitrarium Housing Cooperative calls on the community to help secure this vital cultural space. Donations, investments, and volunteer support are crucial to making this vision a reality and ensuring that The Arbitrarium remains a creative haven for years to come.
To contribute or learn more, visit Arbitrarium.org, or e-mail info@arbitrarium.org.
Minneapolis, MN - August 24, 2024:
South Minneapolis Cooperative at a Crossroads
The Arbitrarium, a groundbreaking arts housing cooperative and DIY music venue in South Minneapolis, is at a critical fundraising crossroads as it strives to become the first community-owned cooperative of its kind in Minnesota. Having received a final extension, the cooperative must secure a significant portion of its $50,000 fundraising goal by November 1st to receive final loan approval.
A Legacy of Creativity and Community
For 13 years, The Arbitrarium has been a cornerstone of the local cultural community, offering affordable living and creative space for low-income artists and musicians. With affordable creative spaces becoming increasingly scarce, this transformation represents a crucial victory for local artists and community members.
From Punk House to Permanent Haven
Rooted in the punk house tradition—a communal living space deeply tied to the DIY ethos of the punk subculture—The Arbitrarium has long been a hub for creative expression, political activism, and community building. Its cooperative transformation secures a permanent space where creativity can flourish, free from the pressures of rising rents and gentrification.
A Broader Vision for Affordable Artist Housing: Following the Cooperative Model
This transition aligns with a broader vision of preserving sustainable and affordable artist housing. Similar initiatives have proven successful across North America, such as Boston's Humphreys Street Studios and Midway Studios, as well as Toronto's large-scale co-op housing project near Kennedy subway station. These examples demonstrate the potential of cooperative models to secure affordable spaces for creatives and ensure vibrant cultural communities can continue to thrive.
Community Support and Fundraising Progress: Momentum Builds Despite Challenges
The journey toward cooperative ownership has garnered incredible community support. Early fundraising efforts raised $2,500 in the first month, and a January house show added another $380. With development assistance from Shared Capital, LEAF, the Kagawa Fund, and NASCO, The Arbitrarium has continued to make progress. Currently, the cooperative has raised nearly $13,000 toward its $50,000 goal. However, with one final extension from the seller, the cooperative must secure the majority of funds by September 15th to move forward with loan approval.
Forging New Partnerships and Building the Future: Expanding the Vision
Looking ahead, The Arbitrarium Housing Cooperative is building strong partnerships with local organizations like the Seward Neighborhood Group and the Matthews North Block Club, which recognize the cooperative as a vital community asset. There is also growing interest in creating similar cooperatives across the neighborhood, expanding the vision of sustainable, affordable artist housing in Minneapolis.
“This is crunch time for The Arbitrarium,” said Gerald Prokop, Co-op Member and Treasurer. “We are calling on the community to rally behind this vital project and help us reach our fundraising goal. The Arbitrarium will provide much-needed affordable housing and creative space for artists in our community, and we are determined to make it a reality."
To continue its legacy of hosting music events, art shows, and community gatherings, the cooperative is organizing a series of fundraising events, including a performance by queer punk duo The Dirty Pretty on August 25. “We’re organizing weekly small performance events and two or three larger ones as fundraisers to support the cooperative. Details will be announced soon,” Prokop added.
A Call to Action
As the closing date fast approaches, The Arbitrarium Housing Cooperative calls on the community to help secure this vital cultural space. Donations, investments, and volunteer support are crucial to making this vision a reality and ensuring that The Arbitrarium remains a creative haven for years to come.
To contribute or learn more, visit Arbitrarium.org, or e-mail info@arbitrarium.org.
Long-Running Seward DIY House Becoming Co-Op
What comes to mind when you think of Minneapolis art? For some it’s a gallery, or a concert at a bar or coffee shop. For many it’s also personal and DIY. Community venues run out of punk houses, arts co-ops, or your neighbor’s patio, are part of what makes South Minneapolis special.
One such long-running house is the Arbitrarium, a rented home on Matthews park where a slowly-evolving group of low-income artists and musicians have lived since 2010, and the site of many performances and community gatherings.
When their landlord expressed an intent to sell in late 2023, the residents decided to take a creative approach: They incorporated a housing co-operative to buy the property, and maintain it forever as low-income artist housing, and a venue for community events.
Thus the Arbitrarium Housing Cooperative was created: a non-profit with the purpose of acquiring and maintaining the property at 2200 28th Avenue South. The co-op is receiving development assistance and financing from Shared Capital, LEAF, the Kagawa Fund, and NASCO. They are also actively raising money via crowd-funding platforms and social events, and can receive tax-deductible donations through their fiscal sponsor, Community Driven.
They have support from Seward Neighborhood Group and the Matthews North Block Club, and plan on welcoming neighborhood input and accountability. These groups see the idea of the "punk house" as a viable community asset, especially when paired with cooperative organization, and are also open to supporting the creation of similar co-ops.
The sale is currently being negotiated with the seller, with a proposed closing date of September 30th. The Arbitrarium still needs community support in the form of donations, investment, and volunteers. To help or learn more, visit Arbitrarium.org, or e-mail info@arbitrarium.org.
One such long-running house is the Arbitrarium, a rented home on Matthews park where a slowly-evolving group of low-income artists and musicians have lived since 2010, and the site of many performances and community gatherings.
When their landlord expressed an intent to sell in late 2023, the residents decided to take a creative approach: They incorporated a housing co-operative to buy the property, and maintain it forever as low-income artist housing, and a venue for community events.
Thus the Arbitrarium Housing Cooperative was created: a non-profit with the purpose of acquiring and maintaining the property at 2200 28th Avenue South. The co-op is receiving development assistance and financing from Shared Capital, LEAF, the Kagawa Fund, and NASCO. They are also actively raising money via crowd-funding platforms and social events, and can receive tax-deductible donations through their fiscal sponsor, Community Driven.
They have support from Seward Neighborhood Group and the Matthews North Block Club, and plan on welcoming neighborhood input and accountability. These groups see the idea of the "punk house" as a viable community asset, especially when paired with cooperative organization, and are also open to supporting the creation of similar co-ops.
The sale is currently being negotiated with the seller, with a proposed closing date of September 30th. The Arbitrarium still needs community support in the form of donations, investment, and volunteers. To help or learn more, visit Arbitrarium.org, or e-mail info@arbitrarium.org.