HELP BRING FIRE PERFORMANCE BACK TO FIRST FRIDAYS IN THE RICHMOND ARTS DISTRICT!  

PLEASE SHOW US YOUR SUPPORT AND SOLIDARITY BY SIGNING AND LEAVING A COMMENT!   

Dear supporters, for now fire performances at Gallery5 in Jackson Ward as part of Richmond Arts District's First Fridays cultural arts celebration are on pause until we can adjust the performance area to be able to create more space for supporters and performers to spread out to evolve the experience!   

Fire performance has been part of the DNA of the First Fridays experience and part of Gallery5 since the space opened, and is appreciated by individuals of all ages who come to join us honor this art form. The city of Richmond has used the fire show in their tourism videos and promotions to showcase eclectic, exciting, creative culture in our area. 

We're looking at a couple of options around G5, BUT as we move forward to organize bringing the fire arts back,we need YOU to give us some love to show how much this artform is appreciated (and missed) by the masses. We're looking at the usual 2 First Fridays of April and October 2023 to BRING THE FIRE BACK! 

*History of 17 years of fire performance at G5:
On April 15th, 2005 the former firehouse (Steamer Company Firehouse Number 5, the oldest standing firehouse in Virginia) re-opened its doors as Gallery5 with the mission of becoming a hub and platform for showcasing and nourishing all the wonderful, diverse circles of creativity in this city!

The first event was the Gallery5 Grand Opening/RVA Magazine Kickoff party. Hundreds of people flooded the space with over 40 visual artists from all mediums, Djs, bands, dance performances inside the walls, and FIRE PERFORMANCE on the corner, in front of the gallery.

The group of fire performers at that time called themselves "The River City Burners" and were the first to bring the art of fire performance in Richmond out in the open for a wider audience of all ages and walks of life to appreciate, support, and learn more about by offering "spin jams", workshops, and fire safety classes.     

After a couple of years, PLF-Party Liberation Front (now Party Liberation Foundation non-profit) formed and inherited organizing this aspect of First Friday at Gallery5. For over a decade now, PLF has been closing down the side street to provide a broader space for fire performers to share and showcase their skills while adding other elements of creativity ie: circus arts and DJs/music producers/ belly dancing to the area.*        

Now we look to grow into a larger area (near Gallery5) in the Arts District! 

Help us make it happen! 

Thank you for your 17 years of love and support!     

*photo by David Morton*      

Fire performance art is beautiful art form and should continue to be supported, showcased, respected, and uplifted in the area where it began to have a bigger platform to grow, evolve, and continue to inspire the thousands of people who have come downtown for over a decade and a half. Help us keep the fire lit! 

By signing and commenting now, your show of support and solidarity will make it easier to bring this art form back by showing just how much it is loved, appreciate, and missed.