The Hand Eye Society is currently facing a critical financial situation. Without immediate support, we risk scaling back our staff, programs, and events, which would be a significant loss for our community.

Founded in 2009, The Hand Eye Society is a Toronto not-for-profit dedicated to supporting and showcasing videogames made as a form of creative expression. We provide exhibition opportunities, education, creative support, mentorship, and inspiration to artists, enthusiasts, and the game-curious in Toronto. Our many initiatives include WordPlay, The Hand Eye Society Ball, Comics X Games, Super FESTival, and many more.

Our Current Situation

How did we get here?

The post-pandemic economic context has had a major impact on the arts and video game sectors, affecting the availability of support to organizations like us. Revenues have not kept up with costs, putting pressure on our staff and capacity to meet our operational needs.

Why do we need the funds?

Funds raised here will allow our staff to complete a backlog of administrative tasks and maintain our programming effort.

• Completing 2023 financial review to release 2024 operating funds
• 2024 summer programming, including Super FESTival
• Workshops, community development, and outreach initiatives

How much do we need?

$50,000 will get us through to the August release of our 2024 operating funds.

What will the funds be used for?

An outline of our expense budget through the summer (until August, 4 months) is approximately totaling $50,000, broken down as:

$16,000 – Staff wages for completing work described above
$6,500 – Accountant to complete the 2023 financial review
$10,000 – Bookkeeper to process the paperwork backlog and filing
$17,500 – Operating expenses (payroll costs, insurance, software, etc)

Future plans

We are very excited to be planning many things to keep the HES community thriving into the future.

Programming

• Torontron arcade cabinets with local games
• SuperFESTival 2024
• Commissioned game residencies

Operational

• Reorganizing financial processes and service providers
• New membership system with extra benefits

Thank you!

Thank you for taking the time to check out our campaign and for supporting us if you are able!

Please feel free to email us at info@handeyesociety.com with any questions, comments, or concerns.

If you are a studio or company interested in supporting, please reach out at info@handeyesociety.com and we can make arrangements off PayPal.

Love,
HES
<3