Resistencia Bookstore, a program of the nonprofit organization Red Salmon Arts that works with indigenous neighborhoods in Austin, Tex., is leaving its space in the city's East Cesar Chavez neighborhood today, the Statesman reported.
Earlier this month Red Salmon Arts announced that it would have to move following a massive rent hike. To help support the move Red Salmon launched a FundRazr campaign that has since raised nearly $4,700 out of a $30,000 goal, with more than a month left to go. The funds will go toward covering moving expenses, purchasing or renting a new space, paying staff.
Resistencia held its last event in that space, called "Living Brown: A Day of Cultural Reconnection and Celebration," on Saturday. The program included a day's worth of activities related to mental wellness and cultural empowerment, led by the Institute of Chicana/o Psychology.
Gilbert Rivera, board president of Red Salmon Arts, told the Statesman: "For a small nonprofit surviving (mostly) on city funding, it's devastating that we can't afford to move anywhere in Central Austin. Many of our friends have faced this with their homes, business people have also felt the sting of gentrification and, it's not only us, but other cultural art organizations trying find spaces."