Dear Friends,

Like every year, in October, it's our annual fundraiser and I come to you to ask for your generous support and of course to enjoy the annual video!

Watch the movie directed by Adrianna Dufay and Mac Premo

for our annual fundraiser

But this year is not like every year. it's our 15th anniversary.

15 years is quite an achievement for a cultural institution and yet, we are so young.

I can recall precisely that day of December 2008, when I met Frank DeFalco, landlord of 51 Bergen, and his wife, artist Anne Mourier. The country was shaken by the subprime mortgage crisis, the building was dormant, teeming with the relics of its glorious past, belts, trimmings, trinkets and, of course, invisible dog leashes. I can recall precisely the visit of the building, floor after floor, and the inspiration that came from its brick walls, its wooden floor, its smell, from its beauty, and this sudden desire to create an arts center. The bet was surely ambitious and certainly perilous.

With trust and confidence they gave me the keys of the building, constantly supporting my enthusiastic vision to built an unique place for the arts.

In September 2023, we opened our 15th season. The opening night at 51 Bergen was a beautiful night. All the resident artists were present, alongside with hundreds of guests, artists, friends, supporters, colleagues, all forgetting for a moment the heat wave to rejoice in the celebration of this anniversary.

Like for any arts institution, we need your donation to produce, to present, and to accompany artists and their projects.

We need your donation to offer a safe space for artists to create, a warm space for patrons to visit, a welcoming space for our neighborhood, for our community and for visitors from all over the world. 

Donate here

During the month of this fundraising campaign, I'm going to tell you stories about The Invisible Dog, from day one (and even before) to today. These stories are the memory, the cement, the foundation of our beloved home, fondly known by many simply as "The Dog"

One recent story just cames into my mind while I'm writing this newsletter:

Last week, parents from the neighborhood were visiting The Invisible Dog for the

b-mitzva of one of their children. While we were conversing, the mother told me: "you may not remember me, but 13 years ago, you gave an invisible dog leash to my daughter. She never forgot it"

A simple gift became a decade long memory, and beyond.

The stories will be posted on social media and on this newsletter.

Please follow us on instagram and facebook

It's time to show us your support, your generosity and love.

Donate today, tomorrow, by November 11, whatever you can, each dollar counts.

You will received countless of rewards, as your name in the lobby handwritten by artist Carles García O'Dowd, artworks, cooking lesson, lunch and dinner at la Salle A Manger, the creation of our new fellowship program, the gratuity for everyone but your most important reward is the work created by the artists all along this season, thanks to your support. (all the projects for the season 15 are here)

Thank you in advance from the bottom of my heart on behalf all the artists of this new season, of the past seasons, and of the seasons to come.