There’s no such thing as free Sushi. Sushi Performance and Visual Art, East Village’s maverick visual and live arts venue, is finding that its Pay What You Can program, wherein all tickets to performances in the 2009 season have been sold on a donation-only basis, is leaving its house full but its bank account empty. Funded with a grant underwritten by the Irvine Foundation, the program was begun to expose a wider range of people to Sushi performances. Though Sushi broadening both its audiences’ minds and demographics, the donation arrangement has not provided the revenue anticipated. “Art isn’t just for those with money,” said Steve Silverman, president of the Sushi board of directors. “But what’s been happening is that there isn’t enough money to cover all of the costs, and people are taking advantage of it.” As an example, Silverman said he saw one man contribute a roll of dimes at a recent show. A release about the program recommended that donations begin at $15. Silverman said that the average donation is approximately $10 per ticket, not nearly enough to cover operating expenses and paying the performers, some of whom are recognized national acts. Silverman acknowledged that Sushi made an error by not putting any restrictions on the plan. All the shows, with the exception of the group’s three season pre-opening shows, have fallen under the program. The program has no restriction on seating positions. “Our goal is to finish the [budget] year flat,” said Indra Gardiner, Sushi board member. “If we could get to zero, that would be fantastic.” Sushi’s annual budget is $270,000. This year is the inaugural season in Sushi’s new home, a 3,000-square-foot restored warehouse at 390 11th Avenue in East Village. The space is also available for rent for events, which helps defray operating costs. Sushi was established in 1980 to provide a place for alternative voices in the contemporary arts through music, theater, film, spoken word and visual art. It’s hoping to finish the season on a high note with the return of the Red Ball, its signature vaudeville-cirque bash, Saturday, June 13 from 7 p.m. to midnight. Historically one of Sushi’s premiere annual events, the Red Ball has not been held since 2006. The evening will include an entry by Zirk Ubu, a circus performer collective including stilt walkers, fire dancers, clowns, performance artists and sword swallowers. Tickets are $75 per person and $125 per couple. A limited number of $35 student tickets will be available at the door. The event is for those ages 21 and older. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit sushiart.org or call (619) 235-8466.