In 1998, The Boîte faced a crisis. Funds had run dry after the withdrawal in October 1997 of the Australia Council grant that had provided The Boîte with its principle income source, creating a devastating funding shortfall for the organisation. Dieter Bajzek, Boîte Chairperson at the time described the challenge this posed as he reflected on The Boîte’s struggle for survival during 1998:
‘Plunged into a sudden and unexpected financial no-man’s-land at the end of 1997, we had to struggle all the way to keep our heads above water. Many friends rallied to our aid – and we thank them sincerely for it – but it somehow never seemed enough. It should be said here and now that if it had not been for the determination and self-sacrifice or our co-ordinator Roger King and Therese Virtue throughout the year, I don’t believe The Boîte could have survived this set-back.’
Coordinator, Roger King voluntarily deferred payment of his salary, the City of Yarra granted free use of the Fitzroy Town Hall and a small grant which enabled the Winter Festival to proceed and The Boîte implemented a survival plan.
An emergency fundraising appeal raised $12,000, central to which was a St Valentine’s Day Benefit Concert. Again, the Fitzroy Town Hall was made available through the support of the City of Yarra, Jeff Stellar provided free sound and artists and workers donated their services to stage a highly successful concert. Artists also donated their time through World Music Cafe benefit nights and a number of people made donations to the organisation.
Through a combination of the tenacity and commitment of staff and the committee, and the generosity of the community, volunteers and artists who donated time and resources, The Boîte had survived what had seemed an insurmountable challenge.