Smash Away Frustration as Video Pool Hosts Smasher’s Bash Fundraiser

Video Pool is set to host its second annual Smasher’s Bash on March 15, 2024, offering participants a unique opportunity to destroy various items for a good cause. The event aims to raise funds while providing a cathartic experience for attendees, allowing them to vent their frustrations in a creative and enjoyable way.

Organized by Emma Hendrix, the executive director of Video Pool, the Smasher’s Bash invites community members to unleash their rage on a variety of objects, including plates, clocks, and even garden gnomes. Last year’s event successfully raised $2,000, and Hendrix anticipates similar enthusiasm this year. “It’s nice to have a healthy outlet that lets you kind of have some fun and let loose a little bit in a way you normally can’t,” Hendrix stated.

The event will take place in the alley between King and Arthur streets, adjacent to Artspace in Manitoba. For a fee of $35, participants can select items from the “Wall of Destruction” and engage in smashing them to their hearts’ content. Those who prefer to observe can purchase a “voyeur” ticket for $15.

The Smasher’s Bash represents a modern twist on previous Video Pool fundraisers, which have often included unconventional competitions among artists. “One of our staff members once challenged the late Cinematheque programmer Dave Barber to a simultaneous knitting and poetry competition,” Hendrix recalled. The new “rage room” concept has resonated well with the community, offering a direct and accessible way to support the artist-run centre.

As funding for arts organizations becomes increasingly competitive and governmental support stagnates, events like the Smasher’s Bash have become crucial for sustaining operations. “Costs for arts administration, fair wages, and production have increased,” Hendrix explained. “It’s definitely a struggle.” The need for innovative fundraising approaches has never been more pressing, as arts organizations vie for limited resources.

Hendrix believes that the Smasher’s Bash serves not only as a fundraising initiative but also as a therapeutic outlet for participants. “Until you start smashing something, you don’t realize how good it feels,” they said. The event is designed to create a sense of community while providing an avenue for collective expression.

As the date approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating evening. Participants are encouraged to don protective gear and prepare for a night of fun, destruction, and community spirit. With the Smasher’s Bash, Video Pool continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering creativity and resilience within the arts community.