ABOUT
Groundworks is an all-ages venue and non-profit community arts space dedicated to developing creativity and talent in Tucson's youth arts scene
Groundworks is a 501c3 non-profit, youth-driven community arts space in Tucson. We're a team of artists, musicians and educators with the shared goal of developing creativity and talent in Tucson's youth arts scene. Since November 2021, we are located at 2919 e Grant Rd. Tucson AZ 85716, but catch us all around Tucson connecting with our local artistic community.
We host an all-ages event for youth to come interact with art and music, so visit our events page for the full calendar of events.
If you’d like to support, we ask for your contribution to offset our operation costs and to help get art supplies, musical gear and more into the hands of young artists! We also invite artists to submit to our gallery and musicians to utilize our facilities for practice, recording and more!
If you'd like to donate something other than money, we're looking for donations of musical equipment, art supplies, furniture, store fixtures, classroom supplies and donations of time/services that may benefit the space. We are also actively looking for interested artists and musicians of all ages to utilize our space and any resources we may have available. Get in touch here!
History
Groundworks was established in 2019 by our founding board of directors: Logan Greene (president), Nirantha Balagopal (treasurer) and Timothy Milner (secretary). A kickstarter that year helped raise enough money to sign a lease on a building in January of 2020. However, because of the impending pandemic, by March Groundworks had to cancel our grand opening plans and postpone all in-person activities.
So, we switched to entirely virtual programming to continue our mission and our promise to the community to highlight youth musicians and artists in Tucson. After our virtual opening in our original Broadway location, Groundworks continued to build connections and resources so that we would feel comfortable and safe to open by the end of 2021.
After moving to 2919 e Grant Rd in late 2021, we were able to host our official Grand Opening party with AJJ, Playboy Manbaby, Los Velvets, They’us, The Sinks, and Imogen Rose. Since then, we have been the host of many artists from around the world including Sparta, Cheekface, Smidley, Forever Came Calling, Flasher, The Body, Tim Kasher, Mattiel, Widowspeak, Teenage Halloween, Foot Ox, Mega Ran, Dent May, The Toxhards, flyingfish, and more!
Today we are working to build a better organization both internally and with our physical space to allow a safer, more accessible alternative than what is currently available to youth interested in the arts in Tucson. From construction projects like stage/venue beautification, to administrative work like volunteer coordination, and to program development like creating our instrument/art supply library… we need your help to keep the mission alive!
TEAM
Groundworks is an ALL-AGES venue and non-profit community arts space dedicated to developing creativity and talent in Tucson's youth arts scene with our ALL volunteer staff.
Interested in learning more? Click below:
VOLUNTEER LEAD STAFF
Logan Greene, Executive Director
Logan is a musician and youth music educator. Born and raised in Tucson, he is passionate about fostering an all-ages, DIY art and music space in the city where young people feel safe and supported. Logan has been involved in music his entire life, and loves all aspects of the community. He has helped run venues and book shows in Tucson, and has toured all over — 48 contiguous states (plus Hawaii to make it 49), 10 countries, and counting! As a founding member of the organization, he is excited to see this vision come to fruition after years in-the-making.
Mireya, Development Director
Jayne, Head Booking Agent
he/they
I play rock n roll and industrial music, I love to read sci-fi and horror, and play games (both video and tabletop)
I started volunteering at Groundworks when we were at the original location and became heavily involved during and after Camp Groundworks 2023. I love being a part of a venue that provides a safe space and educational experience for youth musicians.
Elle L., Social Media Manager
Elle is a concert photographer and sound tech, and has been frequenting Groundworks since 2022. She spends her post-grad time taking pictures downtown and doing sound weekly for Groundworks shows.
She plans to go to college in the Spring to major in Sound design.
Kerrick, Head Sound Engineer
I am a Sound Engineer, Musician, and political organizer. I have been volunteering at Groundworks since 2023 working on building the studio and running live sound at shows.
First and foremost I believe that people are capable of running their own communities and spaces without capitalists leeching profit from it, and Groundworks gives youth and adult artists alike an opportunity to prove that in practice.
Jacob, Volunteer Website Manager
I’ve been creating zines and making webcomics out of Tucson since 2007, originally creating animations on Newgrounds. I also make noise music to relax. I enjoy improvised music. I used to do circuit bending too, but I’ve got enough hobbies.
GENERAL VOLUNTEERING
Groundworks is always seeking volunteers of any age who are interested in helping to fulfill our mission to promote the youth-driven music and arts community in Tucson. Learn the ins and outs of nonprofit operations, experience local art and music first-hand, and join a community of amazing creatives. No experience required!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Groundworks was established in 2019 by our founding board of directors: Logan Greene (president), Nirantha Balagopal (treasurer) and Timothy Milner (secretary). A kickstarter that year helped raise enough money to sign a lease on a building in January of 2020 and become the Groundworks we are today. Our current board of directors are dedicated to continuously build a better organization both internally and within the physical venue to allow a safer, more accessible alternative than what is currently available to youth interested in the arts in Tucson.
Caitlyn Hall, President
Elected 1/27/2023
Affiliations: University of Arizona
Maggie Jones, Secretary
Elected 1/27/2023
Affiliations: Junior Achievement of Arizona
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What kind of art are you working on right now?
I play the violin and right now I am practicing my Irish fiddle repertoire in preparation for Saint Patrick's Day.
What's your favorite food?
I love cooking and my favorite food to make is a sausage, white bean, and kale soup with a fresh load of crust bread.
Timothy Milner, Treasurer
Elected 1/27/25
Affiliations: The Gregory School
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What kind of art are you working on right now?
Songwriting is a constant in my life, but my main focus right now is writing essays on film and literature.
What's your favorite band?
My favorite band is a tie between Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band and The Clash.
What's your favorite food?
My favorite food is the black and white cookie.
FAQ
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Open hours are currently 2:30-5:30 Fridays and Sundays. We may have concurrent events that prevent some activities, but the space is also available to visit for shows every Friday/Saturday night and often other weekdays for youth concert series as well as other activities.
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We are a 501c3 non profit all-ages venue and community space driven by and largely for youth musicians and artists in Tucson with a DIY ethos.
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NO! We are an all-ages space that prioritizes programming by and for youth 14-24, but young children with an adult, older adults, and seniors are always welcome.
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No! We are No One Turned Away For Lack of Funds (notaflof) so you can come to any show regardless of your financial situation, but as a nonprofit, show ticket proceeds are one of the ways we keep the lights on, so if you can afford MORE than the ticket price you are also encouraged to donate.
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No! Many touring bands from other places play here too! Stay tuned via our instagram and webpage for shows!
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No! While much of DIY culture runs in tandem with punk, we have pretty much every music genre represented in the space with regularity!
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A show? Email booking@groundworkstucson.com
A workshop? Fill out this form: Linked Here!
A rehearsal or meeting? Email groundworkstucson@gmail.com
A school group or kids camp ? Email groundworkstucson@gmail.com
Prices and availability vary depending on your needs, please email ideally 2-3 months ahead of time to inquire!
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Free use of instruments in our instrument library
Low cost recording studio
Free b/w printing and art supplies
Zine library
Pro-social Thirdspace
Volunteer / Community Service / Internship opportunities
Show biz & arts industry job training via volunteering
Low to no-cost community space
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All our shows are entirely run by volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds, ages, and experience levels. If you would like to volunteer to staff events and/or volunteer in other ways (we have volunteer working groups for other parts of the space) sign up HERE! The organization has three part time paid staff members as well for administrative tasks.
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No
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Probably! Email info@groundworkstucson.com
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No! Alcohol, Drugs, and Smoking of any kind are not allowed at Groundworks. We are a sober space run mainly by youth, please respect this element of our organization!
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We are supported by a combination of our community’s generous donations, public and private grants, and minimally by renting our space out for private use like rehearsals, school dances, etc.. Donate at the link HERE!