Survival for Arts People during a Sh*tstorm: Alternatives to Gov't, Sponsor $$, etc.

[Cem]

These are tough times for many people working for a wage, especially for those providing such a 'frivolity' as music. In the best of times, unless you're operating in the upper echelon of the music biz, you're not getting rich. I've been hearing of all the nightmare cutbacks back in BC. Things have been tougher even for Europeans for the past few years.

What can/do artists and others do to keep on keeping on? I'm sure some musicians believe that day jobs are a must, whether teaching or arts admin, still in the industry or completely unrelated. Others may be more against dedicating any of their time to non-music related activities, electing to compose, play, etc..

As a presenter, I'm taking another long break, myself, so I can't offer much in the way of solid leads or advice, but I thought this might be a good forum for discussing survival strategies for musicians and other industry people.

One thing that would be good to see is more solidarity among musicians, administrators and fans. Times like these tend to give birth to better organization, more co-ops, creative solutions and such. House concerts, web/download based labels, smaller grassroots organizations are not bad ideas, even before the storm.

Any ideas, suggestions, stories... or feel free to vent here.

[Squaredancecalling Steve]

Artists-in-the-schools programs. My first school contract kicks in on Monday, 4 days a week in a middle school in Fairfax for the next month (along with 5 & 6 nights a week).

[bigtiny]

Originally Posted by Squaredancecalling Steve

Artists-in-the-schools programs. My first school contract kicks in on Monday, 4 days a week in a middle school in Fairfax for the next month (along with 5 & 6 nights a week).

Steve. I've always wanted to do this, but never could make any inroads to arranging it. Who did you deal with, local administrators, school board, grant organization?

bigtiny

[Cem]

...real flurry of activity here!
I guess, it's more competitive out there than I thought or these are private matters or I didn't frame it right...?

[Squaredancecalling Steve]

Originally Posted by bigtiny

Steve. I've always wanted to do this, but never could make any inroads to arranging it. Who did you deal with, local administrators, school board, grant organization?

bigtiny

BT: Every few years I send out mailings (snail and e-mail) to the principals of all the schools in the county outlining what I do and referring them to my web page, which has a sub-page devoted to my schools programs, including testimonials, rates, photos and descriptions of the programs for different grades. (see the SCHOOLS links at http://www.steveminkin.com/)

Usually the principals pass on the information to a specific teacher, arts program coordinator, PTO leader, etc. who handles the enrichment programs. If they like it, they'll approach the teachers and funding group for their approval. Sometimes a year or two may go by before a school responds positively.

[Cem]

Thank you for the info, Steve. I gather, there exist many arts councils, schools and other institutions, who would be open to artists pitching interesting projects to benefit students, kids or the general public.

On another note, a few weeks ago, I went to chat with one of the directors of garajistanbul, an arts co-operative/venue in Istanbul! Good, grounded people ...especially for dance/theatre people They run a 600 square metre room that's divisible/adjustable into various configurations to accommodate a variety of performance situations. Their focus is on modern dance & theatre. They're a bit weary to present music themselves, but encourage other presenters and musicians to come work with them. They do get some support, mostly private, but it's more about blood, sweat and tears plus quiet-ish support, as opposed to presented by XYZ BANK!!

I love their manifesto!

manifest
It is time...
It is time to unlearn what we’ve been taught to memorize, and to stand side by side.
It is time to create a culture of design, a culture of spectatorship that is ongoing and stable.
It is time to disrupt the clichés-ridden rhetoric of poverty and deprivation, to create unconditionally, to exhibit what’s been created.
It is time for performing arts.
It is the end of an era where we merely reflected, talked and forgot about things, it is now time to start processes in which creation provides fuel for more creation.
We are not pioneers and what we are doing is nothing new.
We represent the current state of the ongoing artistic process in Turkey, which has been progressing since the 1980s. We are the new address for contemporary performing arts, we are the visibility project.
We derive our strength from the profound knowledge we have of the developments in Beyoğlu since the 1840s.
Instead of ignoring what’s already been done, we believe in understanding the power inherent in history to determine a direction for the future.
This is a formation of many voices, many colours and many cultures, fully aware of its own unique language, committed to fulfill its promise to make Istanbul into garajistanbul.
This is an independent, non-governmental, pluralist formation, within a bottom-up organization based on the ideals of sharing, of coming together around the same life purpose.
It is real and it is sincere.
The agenda keeps changing, and it shall continue to do so.
We are now in possession of a strength which we have generated by believing in what we know, in what’ve accumulated, developed and transformed over the years.
We have a space where we can generate “the warmth of an intimate and honest interaction” in the heart of İstanbul, in Beyoğlu where every day 3 million people walk through. A space that is accessible for all, a space that will create its own culture while feeding off the immense cultural heritage of Anatolia. Out of need we acquired a garage, out of a garage we acquired some mischief, some effective trouble-shooting and we came up with a spacious shed with all the amenities.
We now have a neutral space with impartiality intact.
We now have garajistanbul to inject visibility and endurance into existing works.
We now have garajistanbul for those works that are yet to be created.
Övül Avkıran - Mustafa Avkıran

I'm curious of people's interactions, experiences with, involvement in co-ops, whether as staff, artist or audience. I want to know of what works and what doesn't. Most of the arts is grant/funding/sponsorship driven. Do you know of any organizations out there, who manage to, for example, run a legal , socially responsible side business, whose proceeds are funneled into presenting their own projects?

...or are we past that stage of selfless, collaborative group enterprise?

[Bill Barton]

Originally Posted by Cem

...or are we past that stage of selfless, collaborative group enterprise?

Let's hope not, Cem, let's hope not. Here in Seattle, Earshot Jazz, The Wayward Music Series, Monktail Creative Music Concern and Gallery 1412 (among others) are still keepin' the grassroots flame burnin' brightly.