Haven ideas that need to be remixed

I believe in remixing things. Fixing them or shifting things around. If they are good ideas and people wanted them yesterday they are still worth the effort to keep them alive in one format or another. After licking my wounds and facing a tough economy where everyone needs another hustle I am rethinking what I tried and failed at.

I put the ideas out here also so that if someone has similar ideas or better ideas they can see that they aren't alone. The purpose of the project is what is important and it has little to do with me. I just filter the feedback and try to give people what they need.

Right now my ideas are about trying the programming piece of the idea without the overhead of trying to lease a space. Finding a space similar to the one I created is the first step.

The documents I'm pasting here are some of the pieces to the effort of the last two years. I'll spare you the politics and red tape and details. This should be like a portrait to the pipe-dream I tried to bring to life.

Certain names may appear that I actually did not contact. These are just ideas and I apologize for posting your name without asking you. It's just because I respect you and what you bring.

Let me know if you read and have a response.
B



Haven Synopsis

Arts and entertainment

Haven is an inclusive arts atmosphere that blends the best elements of the art gallery, the café and the performance space for people of Boston and the neighborhoods of Dorchester in particular. This space will provide the residents and visitors of the inner city a consistent arts infused environment that not only entertains but also bridges the cultural gap left by artist and musicians seeking larger more popular venues. This space will provide young up and coming artists, musicians and poets with a place to practice their craft and gain a broader exposure.

Food

Haven will provide quick and simple meals in the tradition of a French bistro. The menu will rotate seasonally and feature sandwiches, salads, soups and deserts by day and one entrée per evening. We will host various organizations and cater their events privately expanding on the simple menu as required.

Drink
Haven will serve coffee, tea, juices and other beverages during the daytime and beer and wine in the evening. We are applying for a restricted beer and wine license.

The model

The model is inspired by places like Wally’s Café in Boston and The Cantab Lounge in Cambridge. There are also very productive models such as The Black Reperatory Theatre in Providence RI and The New Yoriquen in New York City. Many young artists leave our city due to a lack of flexible venues for them to start in to go to cities like New York, London or Chicago where these places thrive.


Support

The arts community is eagerly awaiting this venue and many arts organizations are waiting to take part in the events scheduling.
Institutions targeted for collaboration will include but not be limited to the following;
The Boston Arts Academy,
The African Winter Gallery,
Dorchester Main Streets Association
Act Roxbury,
Stereophonic Productions,
the Jamaican Progressive Society,
Soulkore Productions
And many others

The neighborhood of Dorchester has showed great interest and support for this business and eagerly awaits a place for all of Dorchester to come together, experience the arts and have something to eat and drink.


Operational revenue will be provided by

a) local promoters looking to present their new talent to the public
Boston has a rich history and legacy as a cultural hub. Its many institutions and schools continue to produce some of the finest artists and performers. Haven is an outgrowth of the demand for more opportunity for the vibrant talented people of Boston to work.

b) community members looking for an affordable but unique place to hold functions such as birthday parties and other celebrations made more special by artists designing the events. This will bring more visitors to an area of Dorchester already in development.

c) The Bistro will also provide a steady revenue stream as people who come for entertainment and art will also eat and drink.

d) Artist selling artwork will either be charged a percentage of the sale price or be required to work in exchange for a space on the exhibition schedule.

Staffing

Barrington S. Edwards
Owner and operator
Grantley Payne
General manager
We are currently seeking a kitchen manager


This next piece was crafted with the help of Cynthia Bogues. We intended to use the daytime and off hours to host meetings and small celebrations.


A professional meeting room perfect for business

With both accessibility and originality, we make your meetings enjoyable, and maybe even unforgettable. Our multi use space has the feel of a comfortable coffeehouse combined with rotating exhibits of fine art and design. As artists presentation is our speciality. We designed our space to stir your imagination, challenge your expectations, and raise the return on your meeting investment. The arts infused space offers a stimulating environment to work and problem solve in. We also make any celebration that much more unique.
Contact us to customize a meeting package that is perfect for you. Whether you are given a last minute priority by your boss, your family elected you to plan the next reunion or you're a sports parent who needs to make group arrangements for the next sporting event or for almost any type of meeting or event for which you need a business venue Haven provides a professional meeting facility and amenities perfect for any business occasion. Ensure that your next meeting is a success by hosting it at Haven.
Recently renovated, Haven boasts all the resources you need for a successful event. A spacious, well lit seating area, Wi-Fi capability, and catered meals make Haven the perfect choice for your group’s meeting space needs. Our staff would be happy to contact you about reserving meeting space and answer any questions you may have.

We offer:

Flexibility – We customize the room layout, offer catering menus and equipment to your meeting requirements

Value – Competitive rates and complimentary amenities

Location –conveniently located in Peabody Sq. in Dorchester. 15-20 minutes from downtown Boston by car and the south shore area via Rt. 93., within walking distance of the newly renovated Ashmont Red Line MBTA station.

Business Environment – A contemporary, unpretentious , professional atmosphere infused with fine art and design with available support to assist with meeting preparation.




From Seamless to Stunning.
At Haven, every gathering has our complete attention. Whether your goal is productivity or festivity, we make sure every detail is managed with caring service and a sense of style that supports the meaning and direction of the gathering.

For Business: We're available for, seminars, workshops, think tanks, retreats, board meetings, sales presentations, press conferences, book signings, training sessions, and product demonstrations.

For Pleasure: We'll especially enjoy helping you celebrate weddings, rehearsal dinners, banquets, receptions, cocktail parties, award ceremonies, holiday parties, theme parties, retirement parties, fashion shows, birthday celebrations, anniversary parties and a host of other events.

Sample Amenities:
-----------------
· Broadband internet service
· Local & domestic long distance calling
· TV with DVD/VCR*
· Flipcharts, easel & markers
· Stationery & pens
· Self-service gourmet coffee & tea
· Chilled water
·
*Subject to availability



When you book your room with us, you will enjoy:
Convenient and flexible room booking service
Comfortable lounge with complimentary tea, coffee and soft drinks
Flexible room setup
A room with individually controlled air conditioning, comfortable chairs and spacious tables
Presentation equipment, including flip charts, projectors and projection screens
On-site technical support

Rates

Rates for rentals range between $75 per hour-$300 per hour, based on the package.



The definition of a Bistro


A bistro, or bistrot, is a familiar name for a type of small restaurant serving moderately priced simple meals in an unpretentious setting, especially in Paris, France. A bistro may not offer professional service or printed menus, and it will usually specialize in simple classic dishes such as steak au poivre, French onion soup, and coq au vin.



Here is a fundraising idea.



Fundraising
Draft ideas

Event one
Saturday April 19th 2008
At Haven

Art opening
6 to 8pm
Proposed artists: Paul Goodnight, Ekua Holmes, Kofi Kayiga, Shea Justice, Lana Jackson, Richard Waters, Cynthia Bogues, Larry Pierce, John Pro, KWEST, HOPS, DEVS, TCHUG, VICE, Barrington, B. Balliro, G.M.Telemaque…

Possibly organizing it as a group show. DAC, African Winter, DKS, ALA, DOT Art, Bostson Arts Academy alumnae

Hang it salon style: Bill it as “Salon De Refusee 2008 Boston ”
Question: Who gets the most bang for the buck and serves as a good example of the mission?

Art for sale and part of the proceeds to benefit Haven
Music from an Ipod
Food served by volunteer wait staff all night

Performance
8 to 9pm
BAA Student or Staff 3 piece band, Jetta vocalist and band, Sophia Snow-Poet, Jeff Robinson Trio …
Possible Live art performed by portraitists,caricaturists, painters, body artists, Photo shoot

MCd by…
Allyssa Jones?
Terri Brown?
Corey Manning?
Wyatt Jacksson?

Presentation
9 to 9:30 Testimonial
overview and needs assessment



Auction
9:30 to 10
Silent Auction Vs Live Auction ?

Open mic
10 to 11
Lounge DJ?
Or Ipod.

Wind Down by 12:30


12:30 to?
Clean up Wrap up


B. Edwards
G. Payne
C. Bogues
Zumbi
Al Willis

Jobs
we need to …
Put together a high powered 3tiered mailing list
Big Money gift, Middle level Money gift, Ticket price only.

Need to do a mailing and make phone calls

Need to organize the Food beverages

Need to coordinate the Talent

Need to coordinate the Presentation

Need to coordinate the Auction

Need to coordinate Support staff: Host- taking names and money assembling mailing list
Servers- Two to three serving appetizers on trays
Bartenders- Two pouring and serving keeping stock
Chilled and flowing.
Security- Checking IDs, Watching the door, outside, Inside


Budget issues

We need to get Food and Beer and Wine sponsored if possible. If not the budget for everything cannot exceed $1000.00

Food

Drinks

Paper goods

Audio video set up

Mailing

Framing

Permits


Other cost


Promotional materials


Merchandise to sell





Do we need to get the Bar Built and plumbed by then?
Sinks $400.00 minimum


Here is a model of a membership structure.


Haven membership

We would like to offer those who are interested in supporting an atmosphere and venue like haven a few ways to show your support and keep up to ate with what we do. We offer memberships that provide you with current, up to date information on what we are doing together and as individuals, discounts on merchandise and free or reduced admission to our events. The types of memberships we offer are;

Friends of Haven
For your generous donations of $30.00 or more you are eligible for our Friends of Haven membership. We show our appreciation to you by sending you out our newsletter and a complimentary pass for two to any Haven sponsored event. You also get the $30.00 discount off of membership should you choose to apply later.

Haven Members
Haven Members get the newsletter, priority admittance at all Haven sponsored events, discounted admission to all Haven events, complimentary passes when available, 20% off of the price of renting the space for a private event, priority booking for event and exhibition scheduling, and free admission for two to the member party all for a gift of $100 per year.

Haven Patrons
Haven Patrons get the newsletter 12 ¼ page advertisements in the newsletter, 10% off of all Haven merchandise, priority admittance at all Haven sponsored events, free admission for two to all Haven events, 20% off of the price of renting the space for a private event, one free private event rental per year, priority booking for event and exhibition scheduling, free admission for two to the member party and patron party for the very generous donation of $600.00.



and the
Muses of Haven
The Muses of Haven get the newsletter 12 full page advertisements in the newsletter, 20% off of all Haven merchandise, a private reception for all art exhibits, priority admittance at all Haven sponsored events, free admission for two to all Haven events, 20% off of the price of renting the space for a private event, one free private event rental per year, priority booking for event and exhibition scheduling, free admission for two to the member party, patron party and muse party and a gift of a commissioned work of art for the very generous donation of $1500.00.











The newsletter

The newsletter will serve the purpose of connecting the Haven community with reports and listing important events and dates on the calendar. It will list the changing menu and drink specials. There will be a new ideas section where members of all types can submit new ideas and challenges. Artist will advertise their new work and shows no matter where they are hosted. We will devote a section to new written work and one to new visual work that fits the printing format. Ad space will be provided and the publication will grow to fit the demand.



The merchandise
Haven will sponsor the art of up and coming artist by producing merchandise such as prints, limited edition apparel and hand crafted works for them to sell in our space at a mutually beneficial rate. To begin with you can expect T-shirts, prints, and maybe bowls and cups.


Events

Some events will be private. Some will be hosted by us. Others will be public. Members will be notified as to which up coming events are being hosted by Haven. Members waiting on the line for admittance will be given priority until capacity is reached. Members are held to the same expectations for appropriate behavior as non-members if not higher.


Booking and renting the space

Private parties may be booked two weeks in advanced. We can arrange for special entertainment such as a DJ, a band or dancers. We can provide food and drink or you can bring your own.
Our rates are as follows
$300.00 per 5 hours + 100 per additional hour rental
on a weeknight Monday through Thursday when done before 10 pm
between 8 pm and 1 am the cost is $500 per 5 hours and $100 per additional.
The price for weekend early evening events from 7 pm to 10pm is $400.00. Weekend nights may not be available. If they do become available the rate for Friday through Sunday is $650 per night. Multiple nights booked in advanced may garner a discounted rate. We are not responsible for weather, the fear of terrorism or any such unfortunate event that prevents the success of your event. Money paid as a deposit or in full is not refundable.
Haven is available for meetings and lunches in the daytime at greatly discounted rates. Ask about the availability. There is no guarantee of exclusive use during the hours of normal operation ( generally 11 -7 ).
Our capacity is 75 persons. Our staff is required to be there at all times. We reserve the right to shut down any event if the terms of agreement are not complied with. Our intention is not to spoil your enjoyment but rather to keep our lease and licenses secure.