Description
UPDATE 1.9.2026
Thanks to generous (off-platform) donors, we have reached more than 50% of our fundraising goal!
Fukušima is postindustrial green space on Ķīpsala island, in the geographical centre of Rīga. It is the result of 10 years of volunteer efforts to rehabilitate a degraded postindustrial site, for the benefit of both human visitors and nonhuman residents. As a noncommercial hub for DIY activities, organizers can host private events during the summer. International travelers are also welcome to camp in tents. During the winter there is a small group of sauna enthusiasts. So far it has not been supported by any institutions and therefore Fukušima is directly accountable to its community.
The future of the project has always been uncertain, specifically because existing zoning restrictions did not permit any long-term commitments. Recently these restrictions have been eliminated, which creates new opportunities and challenges for the project. Fortunately, and most importantly, all the parties involved are in agreement about the optimal outcome - that Fukušima will expand its territory and its scope of activities. In order to realize this goal, the non-profit association “Fukušima” was founded in 2025. We have prepared a roadmap detailing the steps required to expand our limited staff capacity and financial resources. This fundraising campaign hopes to draw on the support of our community to ensure that Fukušima can continue to operate well into the future.
Improvements to the territory will be implemented in phases. The next steps will be decided in more detail after Phase 1 is concluded, in accordance with our actual needs and resources. Progress will be measured by specific milestones, and outlines for each phase have been prepared. Read more about our goals at fukushima.lv
Phase 1: Buildings acquisition
Budget: 100,000€
Our current indoor facilities include 2 rented buildings: a sauna (80m2) and a former workshop (150m2). By acquiring and renovating the buildings, we will be able to host cozy gatherings indoors regardless of weather conditions. It will also permit the registration of our own café. Both of these factors will result in lower rental expenses for event organizers, as the fixed costs of our operations will be spread out over more events and all seasons. It will directly improve the quality of the visitor experience, with access to dry and heated spaces with indoor restroom facilities.
FAQ
Why donate?
Fukušima has always been an independent haven for safe and inclusive gatherings, free from commercial influence. We have dedicated 10 years to serving our community and improving our surroundings, and we intend to continue for at least another decade. As the neighborhood becomes increasingly gentrified, we can no longer provide these services through inertia alone. Changing regulatory conditions have provided a window where we have the opportunity to act to secure the future of this project, before a less favorable situation arises. We are reaching out to the people Fukušima has always welcomed - those who have expressed gratitude for their experiences and share our values, whose music and laughter echo across the Zunds each summer season, who appreciate feeling like they have escaped the city and entered the countryside. If we turned to the usual centralized sources of funding for support, Fukušima might survive, but it might not be recognizable.
What will change after the fundraiser?
Visitors will have access to indoor spaces in a previously vacant building. This will allow all-season activities and sustainable income streams to support the project’s further expansion. An indoor events space, café, and WC will dramatically improve the comfort level of our guests. Various long-term goals will be viable with secure tenancy rights.
What is the time frame for renovations?
As soon as the necessary funds are collected for Phase 1, work will begin. The renovations should be complete before the end of 2027. The existing outdoor spaces can continue to be used as normal.
How will 100,000€ be spent?
- Buying the buildings we currently rent
- Removing broken constructions and waste
- Repair of roofs, facades, electricity, water connections
- Insulation, replacement of all doors and windows
- Construction of indoor visitor spaces and WCs
- Construction of secure and efficient storages for maintenance and renovation materials
What happens if enough funds are not raised?
In case we do not reach our fundraising goal, the donors will be informed and their money will be returned if they wish. Even if we do not raise the full amount, there is a lot we can accomplish in small steps. We pledge to keep an open dialogue about the progress of the campaign and our priorities for action. However without substantial support, it is likely that the stakeholders will decide on another purpose for the territory, and Fukušima will regrettably cease to exist.
I can’t spare any money, how can I help otherwise?
Please share this information in your circles. Your time is also valuable to us, many hands make light work! One of our oldest traditions is to offer saunas for volunteers, and we are eager to discuss other rewards for our supporters on a case by case basis. In addition, we will need a variety of construction materials - if you have access to something useful, either for free or at a discount, please write to [email protected]
