“We’re on the edge of closing down”: Prague club Ankali urges for support to secure its future
The venue recently launched an “emergency store” selling merchandise, prints, and more
Prague-based nightclub Ankali has urged for support to secure its future after revealing that the venue is “on the edge of closing down”.
Last month, Ankali shared a statement on Instagram explaining that it was “at risk of closure”, citing a declining turnout to events combined with “ever-rising costs”.
“The past two years saw a noticeable dip in attendance compared to the pre-COVID era,” they explained. “We are in debt, running an economically unhealthy operation that has not been sustainable for some time.”
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The club also noted that it owes several months worth of rent to its landlords, and also owes money to “local providers of various services, many of whom are small business entrepreneurs or friends who’ve supported us over the years”.
Ankali called for help from supporters by asking for donations, and launched an “emergency store” selling merchandise, including T-shirts, prints, scarves, hats, hoodies, socks, and more.
The pop-up store opened on April 30, and will close on Wednesday, May 21. All items are made on demand, they explained, and can be shipped worldwide.
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In a new update shared on Instagram earlier this week, Ankali thanked those who have supported the club so far, but said that it’s still in need of help. “We’re still in trouble, but you’ve given us hope,” they said.
“Your support thus far has been an unbelievable boost to our hope, strength, and morale,” they wrote. “That said, we’re still just halfway through our emergency call and need your helping hand to make it.”
Ankali first opened in 2017 inside a former soap factory in Vršovice, east Prague, and has largely kept the same affordable ticket pricing (around £12) since 2018. Ankali also offers discounts for students, and hosts regular free events.
Check out Ankali's emergency store here.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter
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