The Exchange and The Louisiana create joint Patreon club

The Exchange and The Louisiana create joint Patreon club

Posted on: 14 Sep 2021

Two legendary Bristol venues have joined forces as they navigate their way out of the Covid-19 void.

 

The Exchange and The Louisiana launched their new Patreon club in early September.

 

Designed to help both spaces recover from long periods of forced closure, the fundraising initiative offers members numerous perks ranging from discounted merch to early access to tickets.

 

In a statement, the venues said: "The Louisiana and Exchange are the cornerstones of Bristol's thriving independent music community.  We've always both been so lucky to count on the support of those who believe in what we are trying to do and want to be a part of it.

 

"We are opening this Patreon as a way for people who want, and are able, to support us directly, and for us to offer a whole host of rewards as a way of thanks!"

 

 

The Exchange has been a staple venue since opening its doors for the first time in 2012, giving space to a diverse set of creative endeavors.

 

The community-owned independent space fast became a pivotal member Bristol's creative community, hosting a range of events from gigs, plays, brewery takeovers, flea markets, art exhibitions and talks, among other things.

 

Just as essential to the city's cultural landscape is The Louisiana, a family-run venue that has become something of a rite of passage for bands and artists on their way to great things.

 

Within a week of agreeing to host gigs after a fire at The Fleece in 1996, the small space had played host to Placebo and Super Furry Animals. This baptism of fire set the tone, and the venue has since enjoyed sets from the likes of The Chemical Brothers, Florence and The Machine and IDLES to name a few.

In a statement, the venues said: "the coronavirus pandemic has brought our whole industry to its knees, and the knock-on effects are likely to be seen for years to come. 

 

"As we rebuild ourselves to the point where we can deliver the same amazing live music experience you've come to expect, and diversify how we can support arts and creatives through online and live-streamed shows, every single penny raised will go directly back into allowing us to continue to survive and create opportunities and experiences for the Bristol independent music community."

 

Find a link to the Patreon page here.


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Article by:

George Boyle

 

 

George is a journalism graduate and writer passionate about music and culture. Get in touch via email at george@365bristol.com