A LETTER FROM EDUARD SOLAZ, DIRECTOR OF IKLECTIK
Dear IKLECTIK community,
It's been a rollercoaster of emotions since we closed the doors of IKLECTIK for the last time two weeks ago. Since moving out, myself and Isa have experienced a whirlwind of feelings, reflecting on the mix of collective and personal experiences over the years. We've needed time to grieve and to sort through the memories of the place that allowed us to grow and discover so much about ourselves and others. It's been hard.
IKLECTIK was born out of my frustration with the lack of creative opportunities in my hometown, Barcelona, and again in London. I started IKLECTIK as a solo adventure. I opened the doors thinking it might turn into something amazing. And so it did.
IKLECTIK, 2014
The community formed naturally, without any pretension. We were able to host amazing artists and enable a whole range of artists, musicians, collaborators and researchers to truly push the limits of experimental sound and image. Every one of you helped make IKLECTIK a venue like no other. I can’t thank you enough for your support.
2023 hit us hard with the threat of eviction. Despite the hurdles, our amazing community rallied, showcasing the importance of IKLECTIK and Old Paradise Yard to those foolish and greedy developers. I am immensely grateful to Isa for her unconditional support during this time and to the whole team, Atay, Chris, Matt, Prof. Atau Tanaka, Jeff and the bar staff – as well as to everyone else who championed us during this time. Your support meant everything.
IKLECTIK, 2018
Accepting the harsh reality of our closure in January was tough, but we still sent IKLECTIK off the best way we could. These last days weren't just about experimental music and weird sounds: they were about pure community and love. More than 1,000 people were on the waiting list for our closing party. For those who couldn't attend, we know for certain that your spirit was there with us. It was a day to remember, the day I truly understood what IKLECTIK means to all of us.
Detaching from our beloved venue will take some time, but honestly, I can't imagine myself without IKLECTIK. Despite the challenges posed by the financial, social, and cultural crises, I am hopeful and excited about our future. Starting as a solo venture, we left Old Paradise Yard with a community of thousands — an eclectic and vibrant collective ready to push the boundaries of experimental music and creativity. As we look forward, we have exciting plans for our next chapter, which we’re ready to make a reality - but the truth is, we can’t do this without your help.
IKLECTIK, 2023
Last week, we launched our Crowdfunder to raise £55,000 to secure IKLECTIK’s future and help ensure that the magic we’ve created doesn’t dissipate into nothing. The support has been phenomenal. We’ve raised over £22,000. We’ve been featured in Time Out, Crack Magazine, DJ Mag, and amazing artists like Imogen Heap, Scanner and Thurston Moore have come out to support our cause. We can’t thank you enough, everyone who’s donated, provided a quote or shared the Crowdfunder with their friends and family. But we’re not there yet.
We have a vision for our future but IKLECTIK simply can’t survive without your backing. It's now or never. Your support in our Crowdfunding campaign isn't just a donation – it's the lifeline IKLECTIK needs. If you haven’t already please step up, contribute, share our campaign and let's roar into the next chapter of experimental sonic bliss. With your help, I firmly believe IKLECTIK can rise stronger than ever, and we can create moments of magic once more. Your support is the driving force that can propel us into our next chapter and beyond.
With love,
Eduard Solaz
IKLECTIK, 2024