Dear Community Members at Large,
Now in existence for forty-three years, 500X continues to serve the Dallas and surrounding area of emerging artists with opportunities to exhibit their work. For many, our space has assisted as an entry point into the beginnings of a professional artistic career. It is our mission to continue to serve our local community through juried and unjuried open calls, current member and guest solo exhibitions. Most importantly, to increase exposure to the growing roster of creatives. But we need your help.
Due to our unanticipated relocation to West Dallas in the middle of a pandemic, we experienced an increase in rent and a decline in membership, and volunteer assistance. Despite a stark shift in revenue during the 2020-2021 season, we adapted to the situation and even administered virtual and soft openings to continue our service.
Unfortunately, the gallery has accumulated an outstanding amount of $9,000 from rent alone. While we have gained a total of 12 current members and increased our monthly dues to $60 per month, we are still unable to cover the monthly rent, utilities, and other operational costs which includes email marketing subscriptions, internet services, and home improvement supplies. We have discussed hosting public fundraiser events where the community can participate and help our efforts. But we will not be able to make such an impact without substantial donations from alumni to allow us to create a permanent solution for our deficit.
Your generous donation will allow 500X to not only recover costs, but also help fund the research and attainment of a non-profit status. Looking ahead, our goal for 2022 is to qualify for grants and other funding opportunities that will allow us to preserve our history as one of Texas’ oldest artist-run galleries.
We hope that we can count on you to help support 500X by making a donation through our website (www.500x.org/ donation), Venmo (@galleryexposition), or Cash App ($500xgallery). We have provided a breakdown of our monthly finances on our website. Should you have any further questions please contact us at the500xgallery@gmail.com Thank you for helping us continue this legacy.
Sincerely,
500X Gallery
500X Monthly expenses:
Electric: $125
Internet: $85
Mailchimp: $40
Alcohol for openings: $100-$200 per show
Squarespace website: $33
Google Drive storage: $5
Supplies for the gallery: varies: $50-$500/month (when we built the walls, we spent over
$1000) Typical month is about $50 (toilet paper, paper towels, batteries, etc.)
Honorarium/Awards for juried shows: $500 = $300 cash prizes, $200 juror honorarium
Monthly Service Fee (Chase Bank): $12
Yearly Expenses:
CADD Dues: $400 per year
Total per month (excluding rent): $1000+ (during months we have juried show)
Total per month (excluding rent): $600+ (during months we do not have a juried show)
Current balance in bank account: $4480.22