The Red Rattler Turns Five – and Needs Your Help to Get to Six

The Red Rattler is hoping for an extra-special birthday present this May; after five years, the alternative arts space, currently facing an uncertain future, is looking to the community for support.

'The Rat' was founded in 2008 by a quintet of queer artists and activists dedicated to independent arts and grassroots activism. They "hocked everything that they could" to create a space that is not only accessible but also legal, and able to survive the market vicissitudes threatening so many live performance venues. All too often, Sydney's exorbitant rent levels get in the way of the arts underground.

Two of the five original founders are now departing to take on other projects, so the Rat has decided to adopt a new model, which will see a shift towards becoming a collective-owned, self-sufficient entity. The catch is that this will only be achievable if the venue can find the $40,000 needed to purchase a 40 percent share in the warehouse that it calls home.

Enter crowd funding. Audience members, artists and patrons are being asked to donate to the Rat's Pozible campaign, which, at the time of publication, ends in 46 days and has reached 50 percent of its goal. A failure to meet the target amount may mean closure.

Given the growing list of venues that have kicked the bucket recently, losing the Rat would seem a rather tough blow. The space occupies a particularly important position, in terms of its focus on community. "The Red Rattler prides itself on accessibility in terms of both affordability and a non-discriminatory mode of operation," says Jamie Ferguson, a member of the volunteer advisory management committee. "[It] was set up as a space where racism, homophobia, transphobia and sexism are not welcome on stage, in the audience, at the door or at the bar. The Rat has and continues to be a space where everyone feels welcome and part of a family, and able to be oneself and also be experimental. There is no judgment, which is a great thing for artists, and performers who want to push boundaries or simply try new things."

Anyone wanting to become part of the Save the Rat campaign can make a contribution or offer their services as a volunteer. They're also invited to the venue's fifth birthday celebrations, which will take the form of a fundraiser on Friday, May 3. The line-up includes DJs Seymour Butz and Adonis, Mojo Juju, Wife, Venus Vamp, and "loads of cake".