A nonprofit fund designed to help keep risky art alive!
The Bad Review Fund was designed to subsidize up-and-coming queer and trans artists, in addition to those who have experience in the field and for whom additional support would help them reach the next level in their careers.
This work naturally contributes to the ongoing legacy of The Parkside Lounge by elevating and championing local artists, creating the bold work that makes New York City art the future-building force that it is.
At its core, Bad Review Fund, belongs to the queer and trans community. This has been an integral aspect of the legacy of the Parkside Lounge for years, and we believe Bad Review Fund can provide the support to grow further opportunities for the performers and artists we work with through grant funding and support from our dedicated event staff. This is especially vital right now, a moment when marginalized communities face heightened risk and scrutiny. We cannot afford to lose these important voices - we want to lift them up and provide a much deserved and necessary platform for their art. By allowing artists the space to explore themes that aren’t typically on stage and to experiment with performances that would usually go unbooked and unfunded.
Although a separate entity from the Parkside Lounge, the Bad Review Fund is lucky to exist within the walls of Parkside Lounge and its legendary “Backside,” a symbol of the old New York that was gritty and tough with a very loyal crowd of regulars. Bad Review Fund pays homage to many of the performers who helped shape Parkside Lounge and the cultural landscape of New York City. This fund supports queer and trans performers by providing free access to Parkside Lounge’s newly upgraded sound system, flexible venue space, video and audio recording, and our promotional platform. This creates a well-resourced space to experiment, put on live shows, and receive mentorship without cost prohibitive fees, as well as an opportunity for queer and trans artists to make money doing the work that only they can do.
REVIEWS FROM THE COMMUNITY
“The Bad Review Fund offers emerging artists grants and support when mounting new work–so they can worry about being artists and trying something new rather than focusing solely on selling tickets to cover their expenses. Something like this is incredibly important in our city where the cost of living has become so high.”
—Justin Vivian Bond
performer, activist, and 2024 MacArthur Fellow
“Parkside is the last vestige of the East Village club scene that was so vital in the 80s, a rare space for artists and bohemians of all kinds.”
—Cynthia Carr
author of Candy Darling: Dreamer, Icon, Superstar & Fire in the Belly: The Life and Times of David Wojnarowicz
BIG BIG Thanks to InDIE SPACE for being our fiscal sponsor and allowing us to start this project.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO EARMARK THE DONATION “BAD REVIEW FUND” SO IT MAKES ITS WAY TO US.
IndieSpace is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
“The team at Parkside is professional, thoughtful, and welcoming to all. They work energetically to produce every event with positive energy and in a supportive atmosphere. They are incomparably fair and inspiring in the way they navigate their daily operations — from admin, to lighting, to sound, to set up, and problem solving. I am amazed as I witness the space seamlessly transform from an intimate literary reading to a raging dance party night after night. Parkside is without question a vital downtown institution celebrated by all. It means so much to me to partner with the incredible people at Parkside, who work tirelessly to prioritize a space for community.”
—Ann Stephenson
writer, publisher, and founder of Readings at Parkside
“Parkside Lounge is a historic venue that, under Gavin Downie’s visionary leadership, has become a lynchpin for queer nightlife. Its programming embodies the spirit of downtown Manhattan in a way that is unparalleled — showcasing the beauty, grit, humor, and talent that make New York City extraordinary.”
—Robert Phillip Smith
events producer and founder of Hot for You