The International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum (Kickstarter)

The Gist: The International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum, previously located in Oklahoma City, recently relocated to Grand Center in St. Louis, and it is now requesting funding to complete its final phase of construction. According to the campaign site, St. Louis was chosen as its new home, “not only because of its central location in the country, but because there is a vibrant arts scene and the city boasts a large photography community.”

The museum will bring with it a permanent collection of more than 30,000 images, over 6,000 cameras and more than 70 Hall of Fame Inductees— not to mention the many educational programs and collaborations that will be established in our region. Funds collected from the campaign will “be dedicated exclusively to expenses related to construction of an environment that conforms to the American Alliance of Museums standards.”

This includes climate and humidity control, green technology LED display lighting, and UV protection on windows. The museum’s meeting space will also feature video projectors and video monitors, a museum research library with Wi-Fi access and an information center that enhances the visitor’s experience and understanding of the history of photography while protecting the artifacts.

The Campaign Goal: $15,000
The Deadline: This campaign will only receive funding if the goal is met by Thu., Sept. 12.

A New Home for The Book House (IndieGoGo)

The Gist: A Victorian home in Rock Hill has been the location of The Book House for over 30 years, but the independent bookstore is being forced to relocate. It has found its ideal new space in the 5,000-square-foot former Newberry’s department store on Manchester Road in Maplewood, but needs donations to rehabilitate and remodel the abandoned building.

This campaign aims to fund phases one and two of the move, which include installing a new HVAC system, replacement of plumbing and building of new bathrooms, new electrical wiring, wiring for computer networking, reinforcing the floors, purchase of shelving and store furnishings and installation of fire walls for code compliance. Successful completion of the campaign would allow the bookstore to utilize 1,800 square feet of the total space and open the doors for business in October.

The Campaign Goal: $25,000, which is one-quarter of the total funds needed to complete the renovation and move.
The Deadline: All funds raised by Sept. 9 will be donated to the campaign.

Blank Space 2.0 Sustainership Drive (IndieGoGo)

The Gist: Blank Space is a multi-purpose venue located on Cherokee Street that serves as a social and cultural incubator for those in need of space for their creative endeavors. Whether it’s hosting art shows, live concerts, film screenings, spoken word readings and lectures or simply providing much-needed creative space to aspiring artists of all trades, Blank Space is a valuable community resource.

It is now looking to expand into a more advanced iteration of itself, a 2.0 version it says, by adding amenities that enhance its mission. Funds raised through this campaign will go toward installing a full-service bar for events, repairing and upgrading its audio-visual equipment, building a second bathroom, creating a professional-grade kitchen to allow for pop-up restaurants and culinary experimentation and creating a robust and informational website.

The Campaign Goal: $15,000
The Deadline: All funds raised by Sept. 21 will be donated to the campaign. Blank Space plans annual Sustainership Drives through IndieGoGo to recruit donations on a continuing basis.
The Project Link