PITTSBURGH (PTTP) – For the past 11 years, 5106 Penn Ave has been the home to art gallery Bunker Projects and DIY music venue Mr. Roboto Project. Last week Bunker announced they were allowed to purchase their building. In doing so it would give a permanent place to the arts in the Garfield area.
In less than a week they have raised over $40,000 to go towards purchasing their building. Asking Jessie Rommelt, founder and creative director at Bunker Projects, about the expectation of asking for assistance in purchasing the building, the extent of it was not expected. “I was hopeful about our fundraiser going well but I didn’t expect it to go so fast and the outpouring of support is amazing.”
This outpouring of support has been from non-locals as well as Pittsburghers. Carly Cosgrove, a Philadelphia-based band, encouraged fans during their show at Thunderbird to donate. They highlight Mr Roboto as a space “for young local bands, like we were once, like every band on this package was once, to come out to your city.”
Both Roboto and Bunker are places in which artists from all over can find a space. The Mr. Roboto Project hosts multiple events a week featuring musical artists from all over the country and the world. Bunker Projects, being that is a converted apartment, allows for resident artists to live in and work. The Mr. Roboto Project, at least three times a week, hosts artists from both the Pittsburgh area and throughout the world. Each is a place where smaller artists can both experience Pittsburgh and Pittsburghers experience their art.
Their focus in purchasing this building is longevity. When asked about the future Rommelt says they hope to “keep our programming going throughout the next decade.” If their fundraising continues to go the way it’s been going that seems like a very real possibility.
Credit: Annabelle Kyle
You can donate to the cause here. You can visit Bunker Projects and the Mr. Roboto Project to hear more about upcoming events.