WICKED EDEN
A PLACE UNLIKE ANYWHERE ELSE
Wicked Eden has garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative approach to "merging art, culture, community, and identity expression." Celebrated for its unique blend of creative and edgy art, Wicked Eden is a safe, inclusive home for the LGBTQIA+, GSRM (Gender Sexual and Romantic Minorities), BIPOC, and SW community.
It's not just a place to be; it's a place to become.
We built a home for those who felt like they "didn't belong"—and it could be your home too.
EMBRACING ART & PERSONAL EXPRESSION
EXPLORE WICKED EDEN
Wicked Eden is our beautiful, multifaceted physical space, nestled in the southside of Columbus Ohio, and is operated in conjunction with The Autonomy Project. Here, we champion a unique blend of diversity, empowerment, and mutual contribution, creating an environment that's not just inclusive, but vibrantly interactive and enriching.
The name Wicked Eden reflects our chosen role as a sanctuary for persons whose gender, sexuality, or relationship styles were once considered "wicked" by society, and represents the safe space we've cultivated to be our authentic selves.
Wicked Eden is a tapestry woven with the vibrant threads of various identities, cultures, and backgrounds. We believe our strength lies in this diversity. Our doors are open to all, regardless of gender, sexuality, race, or lifestyle, and we strive to create a space where every individual is valued, respected, and heard.
OUR SPACE
EVENT SPACE
Our multifunctional event space hosts everything from larger classes to social events to dance parties!
Our 2200 square foot event space is the heart of our home, and is where the majority of our events occur. This multifunctional room can be transformed for a variety of uses, from social events such as our Tavern Night, to a dance space for Empowered Dance, to a classroom for workshops and educational offerings. It features beautiful murals, custom lighting, and audio equipment.
We also rent this space for your own unique event. Contact us for more details!
COMMUNITY LOUNGE
A relaxed and inviting community lounge with tables for sharing a meal or a thought-provoking discussion group.
Our community lounge features a large seating area with comfortable couches and chairs, 2 large tables with seating for 12, and a spacious kitchen for prepping potluck meals.
Our community lounge is ideal for casual discussion groups, small board game nights, and much more. It's also a low stimulation area to spend time in during larger events when you need a break from socializing or louder music.
Our lounge also features our Wall of Fame, the donors who helped to bring our vision to life.
RENTABLE STUDIO ROOMS
Our space features six themed studio rooms that are rentable for photography, videography, and other creative projects.
Renting our space is one of the ways the Autonomy Project helps to sustain our building for social and community events, and allows us to support the creation of art and creative ventures in Columbus.
Whether you are a photographer, videographer, content creator, or budding creative, you can utilize our beautiful space to create art in a safe and supportive environment. We also provide a selection of lighting, props, wardrobe, and other camera gear for an additional fee. Please note: we do not currently offer full service production services, but we do offer coaching and education across all aspects of the creative spectrum.
Our space can now be rented by members and non-members, however members receive discounts and enhanced access to some of our equipment and facilities. If you are a current member, please utilize the booking form found in your Member Dashboard.
Check out our Professional Memberships for more information!
AS ALWAYS, OUR SPACE IS COMPLETELY ADA ACCESSIBLE AND OUTFITTED WITH AS MANY CREATURE COMFORTS AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF NEEDS (AND PEOPLE!).
UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY & RENT OUR SPACE!
OUR THEMED ROOMS
CELESTIAL THRONE ROOM
A luxurious space where constellations and plush leather seating blend seamlessly. Custom-built cages and playful neon lights enhance the ethereal atmosphere, creating a perfect balance of comfort and splendor.
LIBRARY BOTANICA
Inspired by the building's original use as a public library, this room is beautifully designed in warm woods and lush greens as a old fashioned study.
THE CLINIC
An imposing and sterile medical studio room with custom lighting and vintage props and furniture.
LE VESTAIRE
A Parisian-inspired dressing room in tones of black, white, and pink, with a large assortment of wigs, clothing, and other props.
GILDED CAGE
A boudoir style suite with a massive custom birdcage bed and wisteria-covered ceilings.
REPROGRAMMING ROOM
A stark and austere room made to invoke a sense of psychological intimidation, perfect for horror shoots!
WHAT IS WICKED EDEN?
Although our space does have a fair amount of beautiful themed props and furniture, we're not a dungeon, sex club, or swinger's space. We utilize the themed rooms you see above to help offset the immense cost of our building so we can continue to do more community work.
Our space has been designed to make approaching creation and art more fun with beautifully designed rooms and support from an artistic, creative community. The rest of our space is a very neutral community center, so you shouldn't feel apprehensive about visiting just because we've gone "all out" in our interior design for these rooms. Our space was also designed for content creators and artists just as much as it was for community gatherings and fun parties.
Our space was designed for a myriad of purposes: photography, classes, workshops, dance parties, rentals, fitness and wellness, the sky's the limit! But don't take our word for it.. come see it for yourself.
WANT YOUR OWN PHOTOS TAKEN HERE?
PHOTOGRAPHER PARTNERS
Explore the talented photographers we've collaborated with! Many of these photographers are members and you can book your own shoots directly through them.
LAURA DARK PHOTOGRAPHY
Laura Dark is a multi-award winning avant garde and conceptual photographer located in Columbus, OH.
[CLIENT INPUT NEEDED: Photographer website or contact URL] - See Stage 1 Content Gaps Summary, Section 15, Gap #10
ALL THE GENDERS PHOTO PROJECT
A photography and social advocacy project focusing on gender identity, diversity and inclusivity by Jayme Drew.
[CLIENT INPUT NEEDED: Photographer website or contact URL] - See Stage 1 Content Gaps Summary, Section 15, Gap #10
ROB MANKO
Cosplay, portraits, wedding, and event photography by Rob!
[CLIENT INPUT NEEDED: Photographer website or contact URL] - See Stage 1 Content Gaps Summary, Section 15, Gap #10
MOTHRA'S WING PHOTO
Filmmaker and photographer based in New York.
[CLIENT INPUT NEEDED: Photographer website or contact URL] - See Stage 1 Content Gaps Summary, Section 15, Gap #10
PHOTOGRAPHER PARTNERS
OUR BEAUTIFUL SANCTUARY
Wicked Eden is a sanctuary for diverse and enriching experiences. We host a variety of events, from social gatherings and educational workshops to themed parties, all designed to foster personal and collective growth. Each event is an opportunity to explore, learn, and connect in a safe and welcoming environment.
Our ethos is centered on mutual growth and contribution. Wicked Eden is a place for holistic development and dynamic exchange, where the balance of giving and receiving enriches our community. Whether attending a party, participating in a workshop, or joining a social gathering, your involvement contributes significantly to our vibrant community.
We curate each event to empower and heal, aligning with our core values. Our celebrations encourage self-expression and discovery, our educational programs aim to enlighten and inspire, and our social events forge lifelong connections. At Wicked Eden, every experience is an opportunity for empowerment and healing.
Wicked Eden is more than a venue—it's a community where you can connect with like-minded individuals, share your journey, and build lasting relationships. Our members are diverse, yet united by a common pursuit of authentic self-expression and mutual respect.
PHOTOGRAPHER PARTNERS
HOST YOUR EVENT AT WICKED EDEN
Interested in hosting a co-hosted event at Wicked Eden? We welcome collaboration with community organizations, educators, and creatives who share our values of inclusivity, safety, and empowerment.
[FORM NEEDED: Co-hosted event inquiry form with fields: Name, Email, Phone, Event Type (dropdown), Preferred Date(s), Expected Attendance, Event Description, How does this event align with Autonomy Project values?] - See Stage 1 Content Gaps Summary, Section 15
VISIT WICKED EDEN
Experience the space for yourself. Join us at an upcoming event or inquire about co-hosting your own.
