Spankie Jackzon to sell Drag Race prize to fund inclusive community arts centre
– 2 min read
Spankie Jackzon, the celebrated winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under season two, has announced she is parting with a cherished symbol of her victory - the winner’s sceptre - to fund a new community arts initiative in her hometown.
The drag performer from New Zealand is selling the ornate sceptre to help launch The Jackzon Effect, a creative hub in Palmerston North - a city on New Zealand's North Island - aimed at nurturing local talent and providing a safe, inclusive space for artistic expression.
“It’s one of those things where sometimes you have to set something that’s really important to you free to do something better for everybody else,” Jackzon told RNZ.
While she’s keeping her crown, Jackzon hopes the sceptre will fetch around $10,000 NZD. She’s already received international interest but would prefer the item remain in New Zealand, having approached institutions like Te Papa and Te Manawa about acquiring it.
The Jackzon Effect will offer a range of activities including drag classes, dance fitness, gym sessions, and performance showcases - all designed to be accessible and fee-free for local artists. “Joy is free,” she said. “And I want to be able to give people that place and that safe haven where they can be themselves”.
Jackzon described the past six months as emotionally taxing, citing the challenges of being a self-funded performer. “I was feeling lost and sad and disappointed,” she admitted. “But what I figured out was the thing that makes me able to do what I do, to the best of my ability, is to bring joy to other people”.
Despite the sacrifice, Jackzon insists this isn’t the end of her drag career. “Touring and TV is Spankie the muthertucker; this is Blair the Builder,” she told Star Observer, referring to her off-stage persona. “The Jackzon Effect gives me purpose outside the spotlight, and room to help others shine too”.
The centre is expected to open later this year, with Jackzon calling on supporters to help her realise the dream - one heel at a time.
