MORE THAN JUST A STUDIO.
Free Alchemy Studio is a creative production house + agency + studio based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
We design rituals, archives and portals that center collective memory, imagination and liberation.
As a Black queer women-founded and powered studio, we curate programs + activations, produce media and hold sacred space for artists, community builders and institutions in collaboration.
more than a studio.
more than a third space.
more than a production house.
more than a practice room.
more than a creative headquarters.
more than a community hub.
more than a workshop space.
more than a screening room.
more than a secret tea room.
more than a gathering space.
more than a performance room.
more than a studio. more than a third space. more than a production house. more than a practice room. more than a creative headquarters. more than a community hub. more than a workshop space. more than a screening room. more than a secret tea room. more than a gathering space. more than a performance room.
the studio
Located in SW Grand Rapids, Free Alchemy Studio is a transformative third space and creative incubator.
An afrocentric, bohemian oasis right off the Grand River near downtown – from the resources, to the furniture to the programming, everything in our studio is powered by and through the energy and contributions of Black women near and far.
Our mission is to serve and support the grounding of visions by way of sharing space and community building through workshops, residencies and experiences for us and by us.
WHO USES THE SPACE:
artists + cultural producers
educators + facilitators
community organizers
DJs + content creators
creative teams
nonprofits + institutions
those who want an intimate space to gather
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Rate
$50/hr (2hr minimum)
Capacity
Seated: 25 guests
Layout
Open floor plan
Flexible furniture setup
Size
711 square feet
Access
Second level / stairs / loading access
Parking
Free street parking
Parking lot
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Workshops & Classes
Listening Sessions & DJ Sets
Pop-Ups & Markets
Photoshoots & Content Production
Community Gatherings
Panels & Conversations
Brand Activations
Private Events
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Space
tables + seating
lounge furniture
adaptable layout
Production
sound system
DJ setup capability
projection / TV
lighting options
Comfort
restroom access
climate controlled
WiFi
Support
setup window
teardown window
staff presence (if applicable)
MEMBERSHIPS + RENTALS
Memberships and rentals are community contributions that sustain Free Alchemy Studio. Every tier helps cover rent and utilities so the house can remain an accessible resource for Black, Brown, and queer cultural workers in Grand Rapids.
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Not ready for membership? No worries. Rentals are open to everyone at a flat community rate.
2 hr — $100
4 hrs (half day) — $180 (save $20)
8 hrs (full day) — $350 (save $50)
For anyone who just needs time in the space without the commitment of membership.
Inquire about booking the studio here.
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Community members keep our studio equitable. For those with limited resources, this membership ensures no one is left out of sustaining and sharing the space.
INCLUDES:
1 rental hour each month
Additional hours at the standard $50/hr
Full access to studio programming
Inquire about membership here.
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Creators root the house. By committing month after month, they help anchor the studio’s rent while keeping the doors open for community use.
INCLUDES:
2 rental hours each month
Additional hours at $40/hr (reduced from $50/hr)
Full access to studio programming: coworking days, open studios, and workshops
For those who want to consistently ground their creative practice in a supportive space.
Inquire about membership here.
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Builders shape the house. They’re cultural workers, organizers, and artists actively growing projects within Free Alchemy — and in return, they receive deeper access and partnership.
INCLUDES:
6 hours of space each month ($100 savings)
Additional hours at $35/hr ($15/hr savings)
$100 off full day extended rental (8 hrs for $250)
Full access to studio programming
Priority booking for rentals and events
Collaboration opportunities to co-lead workshops and activate studio projects
Inquire about membership here.
STUDIO ARCHIVE
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CLUB INDIGO [2025]
CREATIVE DIRECTION + PRODUCTION PARTNERSHIP WITH LISHA BTHE LIBERATION IS OURS [2025]
INSTALLATION ART DIRECTION + PRODUCTION, AS PART OF REVOLT! -
NEON BOUNCE [2024]
ART DIRECTION + DJ CURATION + PRODUCTIONLIBERATION SATURDAY [2024]
ART DIRECTION + CREATIVE DIRECTION + PRODUCTION, POWER TO THE PEOPLE 616EVERYDAY PEOPLE EVERYDAY POWER HOUR [2024]
EVENT PARTNERSHIP WITH URBAN CORE COLLECTIVE -
LOVE SOUNDS [2023]
ART DIRECTION + STAGE DESIGN + PRODUCTIONLIBERATION SATURDAY [2023]
ART DIRECTION + CREATIVE DIRECTION + PRODUCTION, POWER TO THE PEOPLE 616PLANET VENUS 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY [2023]
CREATIVE DIRECTION + DJ CURATION + PRODUCTION -
GREEN GALA [2022]
STAGE PERFORMANCE CURATIONLIBERATION SATURDAY [2022]
ART DIRECTION + CREATIVE DIRECTION + PRODUCTION, POWER TO THE PEOPLE 616FREEDOM SCHOOL [2022]
DOCUMENTATION + CO-EDITING, POWER TO THE PEOPLE 616AUDIOVISUAL [2022]
CREATIVE DIRECTION + PRODUCTIONSOUNDTABLE [2022]
DJ CURATION + PRODUCTIONPULL UP AND VOTE PBGR [2022]
PROJECT MANAGEMENT + CREATIVE DIRECTION + PRODUCTION -
SUNSET SESSIONS [2021]
CREATIVE DIRECTION + PRODUCTIONTO THE 616 WITH LOVE [2021]
PRODUCTION + COMMUNITY ACTIVATIONSHRINES, A JUNETEENTH EXHIBITION [2021]
ART DIRECTION + CREATIVE DIRECTION + PRODUCTION, POWER TO THE PEOPLE 616FROM THE SOUTH SIDE [2021]
ART DIRECTION + CREATIVE DIRECTIONGREEN GALA [2021]
STAGE PERFORMANCE CURATIONSUNSET GROOVES [2021]
CREATIVE DIRECTION + PRODUCTIONSATURDAY AFTERNOON [2021]
CREATIVE DIRECTION + PRODUCTIONSUNDAY AFTERNOON [2021]
CREATIVE DIRECTION + PRODUCTION -
WINDOWS GR COMMUNITY PROJECT [2020]
PROJECT COORDINATION, ELEMENT 7616 DAY [2020]
COMMUNITY ACTIVATIONNOT YOUR AVERAGE JUNETEENTH [2020]
CREATIVE DIRECTION + PRODUCTION, POWER TO THE PEOPLE 616OPEN WINDOWS [2020]
ART DIRECTION + PRODUCTION, ELEMENT 7A CHRISTMAS CAROL [2020]
ART DIRECTION + PROJECT COORDINATION, ELEMENT 7
THE FOUNDER// ASIA HORNE
Asia Horne is a cultural worker, historian, and creative director based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
As the founder of Free Alchemy Studio, she creates spaces and stories rooted in Black memory, ritual, and radical imagination. Her work bridges art, archival practice, and cultural strategy — from DJing and community activation to sensory storytelling and media production.
Through her practice, Asia curates liberation as a lived experience, designing environments where Black and Brown joy, healing, and futurity thrive.
STUDIO + COMMUNITY MANAGER// MONAE CROSS
Monae Cross is a multi-hyphenate creative and spiritual worker based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Monae is the co-keeper of the space and a trusted collaborator in care and culture. She shows up not just to help manage tasks—but to nurture the environment, co-create experiences, and make sure the studio is always aligned with its purpose.
Learn more about Monae and connect with her here.