When Cairo was founded 8 years ago, it was with a vision to create a platform for underground art by emerging artists, musicians, and curators. We wanted to provide a supportive place for individuals to hone and elevate their craft while cultivating a sense of community and warmth in a city that isn't always known for its open arms.
The goal was never to have a "successful" retail store, rather a store that could support the artists and curators utilizing the rest of the space. Retail-wise, it's always been a struggle. Cairo is tucked away, with minimal foot traffic, and making ends meet financially over the years has been a profoundly difficult challenge.
For a long time we managed to overlook the financial shortcomings in the spirit of creating a unique, accessible space. As much as anyone, we've benefited emotionally and creatively from being a part of this community. Personally, we've seen our favorite shows in Cairo's living room (Stephanie & Wet Paint DMM reunion anyone??), had our senses stretched, and our values shaped and challenged via conversations and experiences within Cairo's four walls. It's been our home in an ever changing city and world.
As with everything though, there comes a time to move on, to move forward, closing chapters in our lives that will create room for new concepts and projects. It's bittersweet, but also necessary.
We want to stress, as the current owners of Cairo, that this decision has not come lightly, nor quickly. Behind the scenes we've attempted countless ways to make everything add up to keep the doors open. There have been some successes, but many more roadblocks.
We want to thank everyone who has made Cairo possible, especially the amazing curatorial talent we've had over the years, and dedicated employees. If you saw a show at Cairo, we want you to know that the individuals behind that event did it as a donation to this city. Any money ever donated went directly to artists. It's a rare thing, and we have appreciated each and every person involved with booking music or art Cairo. THANK YOU. truly.
Mostly though we want to give our final appreciation to YOU for engaging Cairo, for helping artists grow and expand, for sharing your energy, remaining positive and engaged. It's been a wild ride.
If anything is known about the future, it's that it is completely unknown ... and we hope to see you out there.
For those looking for a similar retail experience, you can find us at our sister space, Prism which is located in Ballard. We are open 7 days a week, and also 24/7 online.
We will have a full summary of final events coming soon, as well as the official closing date. We're retaining the space itself for now, as it serves some of the many other functions we do here. We hope to see you soon, either to say hi/bye, or at one of the final Cairo music and art shows.
It's been an honor to work with you and facilitate this space.
MUCH LOVE,
Joel & Aimee (Cairo & Prism co-owners)
