DONATE/How Can I Help OSA?

Open Space Arts thrives because of artists, audiences, and community members who believe in bold queer storytelling and help us connect Chicago audiences with new voices from around the world.

If you’ve been wondering how you can support Open Space Arts, here are six meaningful ways to make a real impact—whether by giving, volunteering, participating behind the scenes, or simply joining us in the audience.

Your support fuels everything we do—from artist stipends and venue costs to community programming and accessibility efforts.

All donations to Open Space Arts are tax-deductible.
We use Zeffy, a secure, fee-free donation platform, so 100% of your gift goes directly to Open Space Arts. You can choose to make a one-time or recurring donation. During checkout, Zeffy will ask if you’d like to make a voluntary contribution to support their work — this is completely optional and can be adjusted or declined.
 

👉 Donate online (fee-free):
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/open-space-arts

Or mail a check to:
Open Space Arts
1411 W. Wilson Ave
Chicago, IL 60640

Help us keep our storefront theater running smoothly by purchasing items from our Amazon Wish List. These practical contributions—from everyday essentials to show-specific needs—make an immediate difference.

For example, you can help with:

• Lifeguard and sparkly cowboy costumes for My Life as a Cowboy
   
• Replacing our aging ice-box refrigerator, microwave, and vacuum
   
• Cleaning supplies, tech gear, rehearsal snacks, and other backstage necessities
   

👉 View the Amazon Wish List:
https://www.openspacearts.org/how-can-i-help-osa%3F#amazon

Previous board experience is not required. We’re especially looking for people who can help with fundraising, business development, community partnerships, marketing, finance, and organizational strategy, along with a passion for queer arts and storytelling.

While board members do not directly choose plays or films, they are welcome to participate in the teams that do this work, including script reading and film screening committees.

Board members are also expected to support Open Space Arts as donors and/or subscribers at whatever level is personally comfortable, helping demonstrate leadership through participation and commitment.

👉 Introduce yourself / express interest:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpS5zA_SoaW9L3vA-OSA-BOARD/viewform

Open Space Arts is known for discovering plays that are new to Chicago — and sometimes new to America. Our reading team plays a crucial role in evaluating scripts submitted from around the world and helping us identify bold, compelling work for future seasons.

Readers review submissions and provide thoughtful feedback using a short response form.

👉 Sign up to be a script reader:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1O5DUIcCPBj3R1EyxS-wwF71iYX06VdyPtIRqWLXgVf2GXQ/viewform

Join our screening committee and help select queer films for Open Space Arts’ programming, including:

• Monthly live, in-person screenings at Facets Film Forum
   
• Online and streaming programs featuring films submitted through FilmFreeway and reaching audiences worldwide
   

After viewing, you’ll share your thoughts through a brief feedback form that helps guide our final selections.

👉 Join the screening committee:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-OSA-FILMS/viewform

One of the best ways to support Open Space Arts is simply to join us in the audience.

• Buy tickets to the American premiere of My Life as a Cowboy
   
• Purchase gift cards to share live theater or film experiences
   
• Invest in subscription or ticket packages for our theater and film programs
   

👉 Explore tickets, gift cards, and packages:
https://www.openspacearts.org

Thank you for being part of the Open Space Arts community. Every contribution—big or small—helps sustain bold, queer storytelling and the artists who create it.