By Megan Wadding, February 2016 Issue.
Fluxx Productions, Tucson’s queer performance and cultural arts stage – the first and only of its kind in the entire Southwest – is changing locations.
According to Dante Celeiro (pictured, center), Fluxx Productions executive director, Fluxx will move into a new space over the next few weeks.
Fluxx houses multiple community events throughout the year and plans to do even more with its new space in 2016.
“You name it, we do it at Fluxx,” Celeiro said, “everything from art exhibitions to screenings performances, workshops, classes, private and public events, open mics and really whatever anyone wants to do.”
Due to recent financial woes, Celeiro said Fluxx had rounded out 2015 in survival mode.
“There are so many things we’ve been wanting to do, but all we can think about is keeping our doors option,” Celeiro said. “The goal for 2016 is to be able to keep expanding on the things we’ve been doing.”
The plan had always been to keep the space Fluxx currently occupies and for Celeiro to eventually buy the building, but due to many unforeseen events and a recent change in Arizona’s liquor laws, that was just not possible.
Celeiro explained that Fluxx will be moving to a new space (414 E. Ninth St.) that is only about a five-minute drive from the current space.
“Configuration wise, the space is actually bigger than the one we are at now, so our capacity will be bigger,” Celeiro said. “We’ll have to put in a larger stage, which will make a lot of people very happy. I’m really excited.”
According to Celeiro, the goal is to be open and fully functioning in the new space by Feb. 1.
“We would still be able to go ahead and not stop any of our classes and support groups and just work on the space slowly,” Celeiro said, adding that Fluxx still plans on holding classes and support groups through January.
Donations and community will play a huge part in the creation and upkeep of the new space, according to Celeiro.
“Whether it is [money] or even a gift card or paints or whatever, we’ll take it,” Celeiro said. “I’m all up for trade too. I love the barter system. I will trade the use of the space for help.”
According to Celeiro, a large part of what Fluxx has been working on in the past year and the majority of what they will work on in the new year is outreach – especially with concern to teens and young people.
“Our youth just don’t have a place to go,” Celeiro said. “A safe space for them is definitely top of my list. I didn’t have a space like this when I growing up. It’s a big deal,”
Celeiro, who is from New York City, said he does not remember having a safe space for LGBTQ youth and that he worries for young people without a safe space.
“There are youth out there that are homeless, that are struggling and struggling to come out, and the suicide risk has increased,” Celeiro said. “The transgender community has had a major spotlight in the past year, but there are still murders happening. Our young people need safe spaces and I want that to continue to be at Fluxx.”
For more information, visit fluxxproductions.com, like “Fluxx Studio & Gallery” on Facebook or follow @yourfluxx on Twitter.
