The AirDance ArtSpace is a renovated Church of the Nazareen built in 1930. It is located on an acre of property in Albuquerque's South Valley. To say that it is a unique site is true. To say that it is a place people have come to and gone away feeling better after their visit is true. We have been told the site was once an Native American Pueblo. The expression, Our Casa es Su Casa, may be overused, but we take it to heart. We want our 'renters' to enjoy the AirDance ArtSpace and we want renters to respect the building and grounds as they would their own homes.
We are the perfect place for those who wish to avoid 'paying by the plate' for their celebratory event at a hotel. We ideally suited for the do it yourself renter who doesn't mind setting up tables and chairs and hires a caterer or brings in their own foods and beverages.We prefer our rental events to be alcohol free. Should you 'need' alcohol for your event, expect to pay a damage deposit. Think of us more as a Theater which also happens to rent for 'events'. We have tried to preserve our 'church', while creating a center for Aerial Dance and a community site that is happy to host respectfully beautiful receptions, weddings, baptismals, quinceanera's, and celebratory gatherings of up to 150 seated guests.
Though not meant as an FAQ section, I have listed below some 'notes' that have over time, been a concern of renters.
Jeff Hartzer, Executive Directorfor the AirDance ArtSpace
FOR ALL RENTERS: In addition to the THEATER (with a large loading ramp and 24 foot high ceilings) and FOYER (suitable as additional room or as ticket sales/entry way), we have 4 BATHROOMS, a 'GREEN ROOM' with lighted makeup table, a KITCHEN with separate entrance, lighted and secure off-street parking, modern AC/HEAT, with nearby restaurants/shopping facilities and walking trails.
We are open by appointment only. A visit to the space is necessary to see if we meet your needs. There is no rate sheet published as each rental is unique.
'Rental time' includes set up and take down time and begins/concludes when front gates open until property is vacated at conclusion of rental. Additional time for rehearsals or cleanup the following day incurs additional expense.
We are available year round. Once a date is selected and arrangements agreed upon, a $50.00 non-refundable deposit holds the event date for you. FULL RENTAL FEE and if called for, refundable DAMAGE DEPOSIT
are due in full one week prior to your event rental date.
FOR BANDS/MUSICIANS: We have hosted shows produced by several local producers but we ourselves are not producers. We offer the venue only. All merchandise sales are 100% the renters. Renter is responsible for ticket sales/promotion/set up and take down.We have NO raised stage.
We do have a large LOAD IN apron for loading portable stage/sound/light apparatus. Currently, sound boards/light boards are not available. The Theater has excellent acoustics. Onsite Piano, amp with speakers, small set of pot lights, and wireless mic/mics available.
FOR DANCE/THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE:We offer a unique 2400 square foot open theater for you to creatively set to your own needs. 24 foot high ceilings with 3 iron grid bars that can hang 1000 lbs. per point. There are two theatrical ladders for safe hangs. We can seat 150 for a show in a true black box theater design. We offer a full dressing room with separate bath and foyer area for tickets/merch sales. Currently, we can not offer stage lighting, however, we have ample stage light bars at 22 feet high for you and your designer to use as needed. All dance/theater rentals will be coordinated with AirDance New Mexico's Artistic Director to determine needs and rental arrangements especially in regard to length of show dates, set up/take down.
FOR REHEARSALS:We have been a useful site for performance companies who need lengthy rehearsal times before a show at other venues. Our rental fees for extended rehearsals may be quite cost effective for your troupe. We have a minimum rental time of 3 hours per session in order to effectively use our AC/HEAT.
Buddha Betties at the AirDance ArtSpace
FOR MOVIE SHOOTS: Our facility is well insulated, quiet, and with 2400 sq.feet of open floor space plus hanging grids for lights, with load-in ramp makes us an easy spot for interior photo/film shoots. Our lot offers drive through access as needed for 18 wheelers/travel vans. We have been the site for several MOVIE CREW 'LUNCH' locations. For aerial dancers wanting to film their work, no better place is available in Albuquerque. All walls in THEATER are 'flat black'. We have overhead Gym Style light fixtures for extra bright light if needed.
FOR WEDDINGS: We are happy to provide a place for either your wedding ceremony or reception or both. Unions/Joinings of all kinds are welcome. Weather permitting, the grounds are easily accessible as well with a large 'garage door' opening from the theater to outdoors. Though not often called into service, the Building owner is not only a 'poet' but also an ordained minister, happy to serve as legal Officiant.
FOR WORKSHOPS: Yoga and Meditation groups are most welcome and many have found our facilities to be most fitting. All Day or All Weekend retreats have been a successful venture. Restaurants are nearby as are walking trails by the Rio Grande River. We do have a pull down HD screen for projections. Currently, you must provide your own projector.
FOR ONGOING CLASSES:If you are seeking a long-term rental for teaching a class this can be arranged. Our minimum 'class time' is three hours per session in order to best utilize our AC/HEAT. May we suggest the Harwood Center as another resource for ongoing classes.
FOR ART GALLERY SHOWS: Our FOYER has much open 'white' and well-lit wall space suited for hanging shows. We are setup to do a one day or one weekend show (perhaps coordinated with a dance show/poetry reading). Our only limitation vs. other Galleries comes with the best utilization of the AC/HEAT. Happy to discuss potential Art Shows.
