Amaya Alvarado, playing the role of Imagination, soars around the stage on the trapeze during a dress rehearsal for the Wise Fool New Mexico production of Beyond The Binary. Alvarado, the nonprofit's co-executive director, said the circus has an impact on the city that it's in danger of losing unless it gets an extension on its lease to find a new space to operate. "It would be really sad if we weren’t given enough time to make a transition and be able to continue the good work that we’re doing out there."
Amaya Alvarado, playing the role of Imagination, soars around the stage on the trapeze during a dress rehearsal for the Wise Fool New Mexico production of Beyond The Binary. Alvarado, the nonprofit's co-executive director, said the circus has an impact on the city that it's in danger of losing unless it gets an extension on its lease to find a new space to operate. "It would be really sad if we weren’t given enough time to make a transition and be able to continue the good work that we’re doing out there."
Wise Fool New Mexico, a nonprofit that provides lessons in circus arts and performances, shared a message Thursday from Amaya Alvarado announcing she is leaving her position of two years as co-executive director.
“This decision was made by leadership as part of an effort to preserve the organization’s future,†Alvarado said in Thursday’s newsletter. “While incredibly difficult, it reflects the financial realities we face: Wise Fool can no longer afford to maintain this position.â€
Alvarado told The New Mexican she plans to stay involved with Wise Fool in other capacities, including performing.
Wise Fool’s rough patch started in April when the organization was informed by its landlord, Stan Biderman, that the lease for the Siler Road studio where it operates would not be renewed in 2025 so a neighboring business could enter the space.
At the time, Alvarado said a year was not enough time to find a new space, especially because the current space was specially designed to meet the circus organization’s performance needs. The organization intended to seek a lease extension through 2027, but Alvarado said that despite their appeals, accompanied by letters of support from the community, the attempt was unsuccessful.
The nonprofit responded by launching a “Save the Circus†campaign to raise money to quickly find a new home in ·è¿ÍÖ±²¥ Fe’s expensive real estate market.
According to the newsletter, Wise Fool aims to raise $150,000 by the end of the year and $300,000 by April. The funds will help secure a new home as well as cover costs associated with the move. In addition to donations, the organization also is seeking leads on available spaces. The campaign has raised a total of $2,300 so far, Alvarado said.
In her farewell message, Alvarado reaffirmed her belief in Wise Fool’s mission of promoting social justice through imagination and community, and pleaded with supporters to donate to the campaign.
“Your support is essential to ensuring that Wise Fool can continue to serve and inspire our community,†Alvarado wrote. “Thank you for being part of this journey. I am deeply grateful for everything we’ve created together, and I hope our paths cross again soon.â€
