Lisbon's Rádio Quântica has launched a fundraiser for a new studio and community artspace.
The GoFundMe campaign comes amid the radio station's 10th year of broadcasting and has been set up ahead of the closure of its current home, Planeta Manas, in July due to what they describe as "the combined forces of gentrification and police violence in these hard time of liberal neo-fascism".
The team behind the radio station added: "We reached out to institutions, the municipality and local councils, only to be told that there are no available spaces or that decisions would only be made after the elections in October. So, we braced ourselves and turned to Lisbon's terrifying real estate market.
"We found a new space in Alcântara – better served by public transport and close to many amenities – which we hope will become a cultural hangout for our community, hosting exhibitions, live radio shows, workshops, talks, maybe even small concerts. A space where, in the daytime now, we can gather and make culture together."
The space will require significant rental funding, however, leading Rádio Quântica to turn to the public for help in securing the space and keeping the station afloat going forward. The team are aiming to raise an initial €2,500 to help cover costs. "Any contribution is deeply appreciated. We know many in our community are also struggling financially, so we’re especially calling on those who have the means to help us stay afloat. We promise to give all that love right back, and then some—with doors wide open to welcome you in."
Amidst this period of change for the station, it will continue broadcasting 24/7, providing workshops and producing their free arts newspaper Jornal Q. The team also has events planned with Black Pride Matters and Coletivo Gira, and is in the process of organising the latest iteration of its Ano Q festival in September.
Support the GoFundMe campaign, and find more information, here.
The station previously launched a fundraising project in early 2023 to help support its activities.