Focusing on 2022 Race, Kinetic Universe Will Close the Museum

From Steve McHaney, KU President

Kinetic Universe was formed as an organization to sponsor the Kinetic Grand Championship race. It takes the monumental effort of many people to bring this beloved signature event to fruition. It also takes money, which has proven to be increasingly difficult to raise to cover our numerous expenses, one of those being rent and utilities for the museum.

Since 2019, our last in-person race, there has not been enough money to run the race and consistently pay rent for the museum. The museum landlord is a great supporter of KU and has been giving extra time for rent payments, so generous that at one point KU owed 18 months of back rent on the museum. Through donations from the Kinetic community, grants for COVID relief, and cost savings from not running the in-person race for two years, we have whittled the debt down to four months of back rent. While this is a major accomplishment, the ongoing costs of operating the museum in its current state are unsustainable. The Board voted to close the museum, place artifacts and supplies in safe storage or return them to the people loaned them, and focus on prioritizing efforts and finances towards a 2022 in-person Kinetic Grand Championship Race.

While volunteers have drifted away over time, Robot Adams has remained devoted to the museum. Robot’s encyclopedic knowledge of kinetic artifacts and events is legendary, and his enthusiasm charms visitors. Many thanks to Robot for his dedication.

The next chapter in the history of the museum will be to create a financially self-sustaining operation.  A future museum will not only honor the history of the race, but will be built on the values expressed by the kinetic community: youth engagement, hands-on activities, outreach to schools, STEAM education, special events, and more. KU has a long way to go to achieve this and it will take the input, planning, and work of many people to create and achieve the future goals of the kinetic museum.

For the time being, we will emphasize Kinetics in the Community.  As appropriate opportunities are found, artifacts will be displayed in secure public spaces such as with businesses and in vacant storefronts or highlighted during public events such as Arts Alive. 

We will be seeking help for Kinetics in the Community.  Please contact info@kineticuniverse.org if there are any questions, requests, or special circumstances the Board should be aware of.

Budget Breakdown

As you can see in the accompanying charts, the lack of a live race eliminated or lessened traditional revenue streams.  Race fees, sponsorships, merchandise sales, income generated from events like the Rutabaga Ball, and the awards banquet were a large part of our income. We have been fortunate to receive pandemic-related grants, but we will not be able to rely on those in the future.

2020-2021 Expenses Without a Race

2018-2019 Expenses With a Race

2020-2021 Income Without a Race

2018-2019 Income With a Race

You can help! Mid-November we will launch our end-of-year fundraising campaign. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Kinetic Universe between November 23 and December 31. We are starting to plan for the 2022 Kinetic Grand Championship so this fundraiser is critical in funding the race.