Can you imagine Buffalo without Sugar City? Just think about all of the incredible events and shows that this arts collaborative has put on over the years, ranging from record shows to Sunday Soups. There is no other organization that does what Sugar City does, and Buffalo is beyond lucky to have the group around.
That said, Sugar City is looking for some new blood. Over the last ten years, a number of the original Sugar Citizens (volunteers/organizers) have left the fold, which is to be expected with any organization. Those that contributed have helped to create an art ecosystem that continues to roll out exceptional programming.
Sugar City is Buffalo’s only legal, DIY, volunteer-run, all-ages performance venue and art gallery.
Currently, as Sugar City turns celebrates a decade of successes, the organization is in search of spirited individuals that want to help keep the torch lit. If you’re wondering what sort of event capacity Sugar City has, just look at it this way – since opening five years ago on Niagara Street, the DIY collective has hosted hundreds of events. Some of the events have been bands passing through town, while others are more highly developed, such as The Buffalo Zine Fair, or Fun-A-Day.
All events at Sugar City are drug and alcohol-free and end before 11 pm.
The good news is that Sugar City is paying its bills, and even has a rainy day slush fund. On the flip side, it takes more than money to run a successful arts organization. It takes volunteers who believe in the mission, who want to help in a hands-on way, from brainstorming to programming. “Events and initiatives include, but are not limited to music, films, poetry readings, a zine library, community meetings, art openings, and workshops.”
Sugar City is looking to sign a new lease for its Niagara Street building. In order to make that renewed commitment, the group needs helping hands – a new wave of organizational volunteers who want to help the cause.
The goal is to provide an alternative space to share and create art and community projects based on participatory culture and a do-it-together attitude.
To learn more about the needs of Sugar City, consider attending one of two upcoming community meetings:
- Sunday 5/19 | 1:30-3:30PM
- Thursday 5/23 | 7:30-9PM
Sugar City 1239 Niagara St Buffalo, NY 14213
“We want to break down the barriers of what is and isn’t art because in some way everyone is an artist.” – Sugar City
Find Sugar City on Facebook, and at their website.