Viracocha, beloved mission neighborhood venue and cozy fireside living room for art and artists, held an open community meeting yesterday to discuss its future form and function, ways and means. Founder Jonathan Siegel was joined by Ludovic Racinet (Madrone Art Bar and Tunnel Top) and Jerome Rivoire (Garcon SF French Restaurant). For the past few days, they’ve been discussing options to keep Viracocha viable and thriving. High on the list is implementing improvements to the space that will allow it to operate in a more officially sanctioned capacity. Doing so will make it possible to fully promote the venue in the public eye and to make itself sustainable through beer and wine sales.

The required improvements include ADA and health and safety compliance measures, none of which come cheaply. Viracocha is hosting a series of fundraisers in December to place itself in a financial position to make these necessary changes and to grow into its next phase of life.

The impassioned community response and the deep love that so many people have for Viracocha and for Jonathan is astounding. If you are a friend of Viracocha, please keep your eye out for the fundraising events and encourage everyone you know to come out and help this priceless cultural and community phenomenon remain vital. Vive Viracocha.