Venues

I saw this info card around town for Petite Mort Art Gallery and it got me thinking about venues.

It can do private or public functions, book launch, workshops, poetry readings, press conference, wine tastings, film location, music recitals, etc.
How much of ambiance is who shows up and who speaks, the personalities in the space, and how much of ambiance is the space itself that sets in tone?
If one presents material in ratty leftover spaces, among 40 year-old room dividers, on wobbly chairs, in the back of abandoned transport trucks, there’s a superficial difference than in state-of-the-art, still off-gassing plastics and paints, under halogen fixtures in a office tower on chic clean chairs. Does it change who is attracted or who stays or what gets said? Are there implicit incentives? How much impact does that message have?
How much does it make a difference to vibe and repeat returns, once people get settled, if we transpose the same poetry group to a coffee shop or church hall, art gallery or pub basement, gazebo or private home, lecture hall or bar, bookstore or restaurant?
What message of who is encouraged to come does the physical space indicate? Does timeslot make a bigger difference?
One is best to anticipate as much as one can. People don’t complain to organizers. They just don’t go and may spread word to others about general sense, sometimes without even consciously being aware of what in particular inhibits.
One can’t please everyone. That’s why there are more than one person doing the pleasing. Being aware of who is ushered in or discouraged out helps planning.
How are the acoustics? How many people can hear and see well enough for the level of noise interference and echo and lighting levels?
What would make the most people the most comfortable so there is no disincentive before they are even in the door?
Some come only if there’s alcohol. Or if there isn’t.
Is there is a way to mesh the event schedule with food on site?
How much of the target audience/participant demographic drives and needs parking? Or takes public transit and needs it close? Is access by flush with ground, stairs or elevator?