GoFundMe Campaign Closure and Appreciation — pIAR Continues Beyond This Boundary

We write with deep gratitude and appreciation for the continued kindness, generosity, and belief that so many of you have shown over the years. Your support through this GoFundMe fundraiser, whether through direct donations or through Va-Bene’s shea butter initiative, has been invaluable to the survival and continuity of our work.

For full transparency, the initial fundraising goal was set at $300,000 USD to support the purchase of a permanent six-bedroom property for pIAR, with the long-term vision of securing a safe and sustainable home for our community. While this goal was not fully realised, the fundraiser reflected a total of $48,424 USD, representing approximately 16% of the intended target. This figure includes platform fees and related charges.

It is important to clarify that this total reflects not only direct donations made through GoFundMe, but also support generated through Va-Bene’s shea butter initiative over the years. During lectures, exhibitions, and public engagements, proceeds from the sharing and sale of shea butter were directed toward sustaining the fundraiser and supporting the space. In some cases, GoFundMe also served as an alternative payment channel. We share this in the interest of transparency regarding how the funds were collectively raised and sustained.

We would also like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to all those who have supported pIAR in other ways over the years, beyond GoFundMe. This includes those who contributed directly through cash transfers, in-kind donations, material support, services, and everyday acts of care, as well as those who offered support while in residence or during our events. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the pIAR team, interns, and all those whose labour, time, and commitment have helped sustain this work in visible and invisible ways.

Although the original goal was not fully realised, the funds played a significant role over time in supporting rent, utilities, maintenance, and the ongoing care and programming of the space and its related initiatives.

At this time, we are officially closing this GoFundMe fundraiser as we shift our priority toward the recovery and healing of our director, Va-Bene. While this campaign is closing, we want to clearly emphasize that pIAR is not closing. pIAR continues beyond this boundary and remains active, even if for now with more limited capacity. You are warmly welcome to visit the space whenever you are in town.

On 28 December 2025, while in Europe for professional engagements, Va-Bene suffered a severe brain bleed in Berlin and underwent emergency brain surgery that same night. Some weeks later, while still hospitalised, she experienced a serious complication that required the complete removal of her gallbladder. She is currently in ongoing recovery and rehabilitation under close medical supervision.

In recent months, she has also been experiencing recurrent impaired awareness episodes connected to the earlier brain surgery and trauma. During these episodes, she may become suddenly unresponsive for several minutes, even though her eyes may remain open and her breathing appears normal. Due to the seriousness of her condition, her doctors have strongly advised that she refrain from travel, public engagements, work, and extended communication for the time being.

As many of you know, Va-Bene’s performances, lectures, and international engagements have long been central not only to her personal livelihood, but also to the sustainability of pIAR, TTO, and related initiatives. These include the TTO Mentorship Scholarship, which supports emerging trans and queer creatives through mentorship, artistic guidance, and practical care, as well as the Va-Bene Scholarship and Mentorship Residency Abroad, which has supported selected artists and cultural workers to access residency, travel, and broader artistic development opportunities. Her current condition has therefore significantly impacted the financial stability of this wider ecosystem of care, mentorship, and artistic support.

pIAR remains open as a safe, brave, and supportive space for queer community members, especially in times of crisis or temporary need for shelter. While we are currently unable to financially support such processes, we continue to offer free accommodation to individuals in urgent need.

For those who may wish to continue supporting pIAR, TTO, and Va-Bene’s recovery, we welcome your support through direct channels. You are also warmly welcome to organise independent fundraising initiatives within your own networks. While Va-Bene may not currently have the strength to actively participate, the team can provide essential materials and guidance where possible.

For all communication and support inquiries, please reach us via:

Email: [email protected]

WhatsApp: +233 20 413 7407

During this period, all communication channels are being supported by the pIAR team together with Va-Bene’s personal assistant, as she is currently unable to respond directly. Kindly note that responses may take time, depending on capacity. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding.

For those who may wish to visit, visits are currently being organised through a scheduled calendar to ensure a calm and safe environment for recovery. Please reach out by email to arrange this.

We will share further updates in due course, including information regarding a new fundraiser focused on the future development and longer-term sustainability of this work.

Once again, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your care, your solidarity, and your continued belief in this community.

Love wins.

On behalf of and in the spirit of Va-Bene,

The pIAR Team

 For those who wish to experience more of the work, context, and community that your support has helped sustain, you are warmly invited to engage below :