Alice Springs heavy metal music venue raises $1m in donations in fight to stay open
The Black Wreath, a heavy metal venue in Alice Springs, has successfully raised $1 million through crowdfunding to prevent its closure. The venue serves as a vital cultural hub for central Australian musicians, though further funds are needed to meet the owner's asking price.
Why it matters
It demonstrates the power of community-led grassroots fundraising to preserve niche cultural spaces in remote regions.
Metal band Snakes perform at the Black Wreath, a heavy metal venue in Alice Springs. Photograph: Shane Mulcahy Metal band Snakes perform at the Black Wreath, a heavy metal venue in Alice Springs. Photograph: Shane Mulcahy Australian music Alice Springs heavy metal music venue raises $1m in donations in fight to stay open Supporters from around Australia back the Black Wreath, a volunteer-run centre far off the beaten touring track
Prefer the Guardian on Google Alice Springs has a population of 34,000 and exactly one dedicated live music space: a heavy metal venue called the Black Wreath. It has hosted hundreds of bands from around the country over the past decade – despite being 1,500km from the nearest city.
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