The word “Wonderland” evokes many things. Alice comes to mind for most. I'm involved in a project here in central Ohio called Wonderland Columbus. It’s a not-for-profit (’m on the board) that is operating the building and programming.
Wonderland is a catalyst of economic and cultural development for the creative community. In the great tradition of things like KEXP (www.KEXP.org) it’s a place for the creative community to work, grow their businesses and for all to experience the results.
We are doing this in the old Wonder Bread factory in the Short North. The space will have artist studios and production space, a recording studio and rehearsal space, performance space, exhibition space, retail, restaurant and office space.
We are developing programming that will inform, enhance and encourage cross-disciplinary collaborations. We believe that working interdependently yields things none of us can imagine.
We have received up to $800,000 in federal and state historic tax credits, hired our executive director, Columbus College of Art & Design alum Adam Brouillette and established a solid board of directors.
This is and will be a multi-million dollar project that will be self-funded and self-sustaining. It is our business model. In order to make this a reality we are developing a diverse portfolio of revenue and funding streams.
For example, we are up for a Pepsi Refresh Grant of $250,000. That money will help with making the building what we need it to be. We need you to VOTE TWICE each day--online and via text. Go here now: http://www.refresheverything.com/wonderland .
To learn more about Wonderland go here: http://www.wonderlandcolumbus.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/#!/WonderlandColumbus .
Thanks for wondering about Wonderland.
Chuck Palmer
ConsumerX
customer-centric retail strategy
