Starving Artist: Fact or Fiction: Non-Profit Doesn’t = No Money
Tuesday, September 16, 2008, 7:30-9:30pm
Galapagos Art Space
What makes us think that we're a 'sell out' if we make money from our art? Why do we seem to believe that we must suffer to make great art, yet we pine away for the seemingly Utopian government sponsored art cultures of Berlin and Brussels? Is there something inherently hierarchical and damaging in the 'gift economy' that the arts and philanthropy work in? The non-profit model that most artists use may not be the best model for our work, yet we gravitate to it like lemmings. What about being for-profit or for-benefit? What do those things even mean? What about LLCs and L3Cs and what about a blend model?
Join The Field and Galapagos in a lively free discussion about the dysfunctional psychology of the non-profit model, and learn about potential alternative business models that might serve you and your work better. Learn about The Field’s Economic Revitalization for Performing Artists (ERPA) project and how you can apply to participate in ERPA’s entrepreneurial lab.
Moderated by Sara Juli, Performance Artist, Director of Development at Dance Theater Workshop
Panelists:
• Robert Elmes, Director, Galapagos Art Space
• Amanda Clayman, Financial Wellness Program, The Actors Fund
• Chris Ajemian, Artist, Entrepreneur
• Brian Newman, CEO, Tribeca Film Institute
Biographies
Chris Ajemian writes and directs new works and is the founder of CATES LLC, an international tutoring & test prep agency based in New York City that provides dedicated artists with high-paying and fulfilling freelance jobs. His directing work has been seen at PS 122, Joyce SoHo, FringeNYC, Ontological-Hysteric, the American Dance Festival, Actors Theater of Louisville, Napa Valley Opera House, Nooderzon Festival (Netherlands), ArtsHouse (Melbourne) and The Edge (New Zealand). Chris has also developed new projects in collaboration with the Radmin Company, Anonymous Content, NBC, CBS and Paramount Studios. Upcoming: the World Premiere of Sara Juli's DEATH at PS 122 in October.
Amanda Clayman, L.M.S.W. is a pioneer in the field of financial wellness. Financial wellness is a way of understanding and accepting the role that money plays in everyday life. It includes feeling competent making financial decisions and communicating about money with friends and loved ones from a place of clarity and purpose. It is not about building wealth per se, but centers on principles of self-care and self-determination. In her role at The Actors Fund, Amanda counsels individuals and couples and has developed a number of workshops that support the unique financial challenges facing entertainment and performing arts professionals.
Robert Elmes is the Founder and Director of Galapagos Art Space. Since 1995 Galapagos has played an important role in defining New York's cultural ecosystem. The New York Times called Galapagos "an ever- growing cultural oasis," Time Out New York called it an "essential element of New York City," and The Village Voice wrote that Mr. Elmes is "building a cultural movement brick by brick." Robert is originally from Vancouver, Canada, and freely admits that he really really likes hockey.
Sara Juli lives in Brooklyn and is both an active artist and arts administrator. Her innovative solo work has been performed at numerous New York City venues including Performance Space 122, The Ontological Theater, Danspace Project and many others. Nationally she has performed her work at the American Dance Festival, Connecticut College, University of Nevada/Reno and the Napa Valley Opera House. Internationally she has toured her work to The Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand. Her piece, The Money Conversation, where she gives away $5,000 in cash to audiences every night, has generated interest around the globe on the topic of money and the “starving artist.” Sara also works as the Director of Development at Dance Theater Workshop where she is responsible for the institutions fundraising program including institutional giving, individual giving, Board development, gift stewardship, planned giving, and cultivation of donors.
Brian Newman was recently named the President & CEO of the Tribeca Film Institute (TFI) as the result of a combination between Renew Media and TFI. As a combined organization, the primary objective is to create one institution dedicated to innovation in film and media, the enrichment of audiences and the promotion of education, understanding and creativity through the media arts. TFI now gives approximately $1.25 Million annually to filmmakers and media artists through grants and fellowships in the United States and Mexico, in addition to other programs for media artists, youth and the general public. Newman was Executive Director of IMAGE Film & Video Center in Atlanta for five years, overseeing the Atlanta Film Festival among other programs. Previously he held positions at the IFP and the South Carolina Arts Commission. Brian also serves on the editorial advisory board for Art Papers magazine and the steering committee of Grantmakers in Film & Electronic Media (GFEM). Newman has an MA in Film Studies from Emory University.
Touring
