Wow, what a dialog we had on Monday.
Now, more than ever, the need for a collaborative approach to supporting local artists and connecting them with the community is apparent. Many artists are frustrated with arts organizations, the community and the public sector. And, what they need is not impossible, expensive or unreasonable. We can get started by merely taking an inventory of who’s out there, pooling resources and also maintaining a positive attitude.
If you weren’t at the Emerge kick-off discussion on Monday, facilitated break-out groups considered solutions and expressed opinions on subjects like collaborating across county lines, listening to independent artists in the public sector and adding art to empty spaces.
In the break-out groups, we tried to focus on next steps to generate a positive impact but the challenges of the past and present were reiterated. While we all know them but they are worth repeating: independent, professional artists and arts organizations are facing more limited resources; independent artists are disenfranchised by the respect given to them in their own “arts” community; frustrated and burned out artists and some of their “Enthusiasts” are no longer willing to advocate or volunteer.
Could “Emerge” be part of the solution?
It was encouraging to hear how productive the table facilitators that led the break-out groups thought the conversations were despite the ups-and-downs. Much thanks to the discussion leaders:
- Christine Meeker Lange, Ringling College of Art + Design
- Molly Demeulenaere, Rambunkious Productions
- Russ Crumley, the Sarasota County Arts Council
- Diane Shelly, Art Center Manatee
- Michael Chokr, the Diamond Vault
- Tim Jaegar, “emerging” visual artist Meeting notes are pending
Expect the following:
- Revisions to Emerge’s “Mantra” to reflect the consensus in the room. (If there are any writers who would like to “polish” the initial Mantra draft, your talents are needed.)
- A summary of the survey feedback
- A list of the program ideas generated with special attention to those with immediate implications
Here a few comments from participants who emailed me:
“I think it was well received. I would give it a 9 on a 1-10 scale….you guys did a great job. There were two or three people in my last group that did not get it…they beat up the table leader. I sat on the side lines…I did not want to get into it, however, in my opinion, they are the exact problem we are addressing.”
“Let me know when you want to get together. I am happy to help this group get rolling and be part of the core. Emerge is a perfect fit for me.”
“Nice job yesterday. A lot of life in 2 hours. We still have a huge mountain to climb. I would have liked to hear universal town hall-type bitching but in time, perhaps. My pet peeve — to reiterate – is the total dismissal of local, tax-paying [artists].”
To Sarasota’s visual, performing or literary artists — if you wish to join the core group steering the ship as it pulls out of the harbor, now’s the time to get onboard. Please post your interest to the blog and we’ll keep you updated on next steps and work groups.
Talk is cheap. Inaction is deadly. Let’s Emerge.
Connect “emerging” artists and the community to truly create a creative class.
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First, as a professional creative for over 20 years but also as an artist (published international writer/photo stylist) who was also once “an emerging artist”, I represent and can appreciate several perspectives.
I’m frustrated that this isn’t focused on the REAL CREATIVE NEED to generate economic worth for all creatives and in turn, economic value here in this county.
I would ask that the team consider new options and define use of the terms: “creative class”, “emerging artist” and “enthusiasts” in particular.
I attended the workshop but I feel the Mantra is still bogus in many regards.
Example?
The opportunity that EMERGE could have is tied to defining “emerging artists”. Consider that it not simply to encourage new and emerging artists, but serve creatives in all aspects because they continually emerge to redefine their worlds (inner/outer) by mere definition. It is inherent.
Creatives open more possibility and include vital professionals in practice, commercial and fine art-driven artists and related enthusiasts who (yes!) “support” (i.e. defined by economic-investment of time/effort/money in collecting, attending, exhibiting, assisting the focused creatives).
If you think about it, clear definitions help us think about why one is different from the other. If not, I am an enthusiast for simply smiling or speaking positively about a work of art? I think not.
There is a course of action which needs to define the category more explicitedly.
The next part of this equation is to propose that this drive a more economically-focused mandate for the Arts Council. While it’s about the creatives I feel their mission needs redefinition to stay afloat and move with the times.
Nancy Roucher started the Arts Council. Our new director is inspired to listen and then act. Adding resilience, refining, and being timely (economic imperative now), consider opening more possibility with these definitions so the ARTS COUNCIL also refines for greater success in serving and frankly, in existing.
It’s my experience, that other cities (mid size but more dynamic like Chattanooga, TN for example) are making better use of their creative class resources and we might explore and model that?
If EMERGE represents not only emerging artists but by definition focuses more on “creatives” this includes:
a) new and existing creative professionals in related fields (I.e. those of us who create, collaborate and employ other creative individuals). This can incorporate Florida’s thinking and extend into areas of computer technology, even healthcare, fields this town can attract or is looking to expand into (ex: Scope’s edict for adding “energy” as real Sun coast is part of this);
b) and let’s remember that the existing base of successful (and fully emerged) artists should be part of this effort, not above or beyond it. They are critical resources, mentors, colleagues in the field.
Example? Jennifer Mumford-Brady is a prime example, as head of the RCAD Design Center for many years. She is at the epicenter there and builds some of the top notch talent in this town. Her team of Senior thesis students “steal the creative” thunder (and the top awards year after year) at every advertising event because RCAD’s Design Center has creative class focus like no other in this county. And yet…because there is no organizing support force to ENGAGE and EMPLOY this talent once they graduate – they leave. For good reason they exit to work for APPLE, DISNEY, and so forth. How can we keep them here? …encourage them to be entrepreneurial, lift the bar, afford work space, get hired for better wages (enough of the sun tax) – ultimate issue!!