Earning their keep

My quest for a new approach, a questioning of the current models and greater support for artists continues. A recent conversation with a prolific Tasmanian artist reinforced the need to look differently at the current situation in Australia.
Her comments in response to the need to develop her presence on the internet and learn the associated skills were...
'It's just too hard and so I freeze. I do nothing.'
She has already attempted an e-connect course through Tourism Tasmania. This is a great option for those who have the skills, resources and motivation. But if you are a practicing artist who contributes to the community, volunteers, runs workshops, produces work, plans exhibitions and strives to get something on the table at the end of the day, I wonder if there is another way of doing this better.
Imagine if we could connect them with a person with those skills.
'I have spent far too much time doing the business rather than doing my work'.
'I don't want to do it. I spend hours and it's still not working'.
It's tough asking these individual artists to pay for my services, as they are already earning so little. Part of my work is about exploring the options and perhaps the best option is for us as a culture to better support individual artists by investing in what they do well.
My work for Tasmanian Regional Arts has supported this approach, with minimal investment gaining excellent outcomes for the individuals and groups involved.
Let's see if any of this ripples through to the art funding bodies-I do hope so.

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE and the ARTS

I have finally got over the jet lag after being in the US for a week blogging at the World Social Enterprise Conference 2010 in San Francisco. Public art everywhere and a highlight was going to SFMOMA (Museum of Modern Art) to see works by Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, Lichenstein and Jeff Koons - Michael Jackson and chimp statue. Gawdy but great!


So, does Social Enterprise have anything to offer the arts. I think so.
In fact art is often a key ingredient and engagement tool for working with some of the most disadvantaged people and communities throughout the world. It has also served as a mechanism for profiling cultural issues, such as current exhibition to raise funds to save 10 Murray Street in Hobart.

GAY HAWKES

Tasmania is home to many artists who have firm roots in the state that offers amazing inspiration through the coastlines, flora and fauna. Gay Hawkes is a sculptor, teacher and mentor with a wealth of skills, knowledge and incredible ideas forged from a lifetime of incredible experiences. Travelling between Tas to Brisbane to Melbourne, Gay is currently working on a series of exciting projects.

PRACTICALLY ART

Over the past 12 months I have been privileged to work with a number of visual and performing artists, designers and community arts groups. Often the issues that they are facing are similar; how to build their arts business, how to make money, how to be better at what they do, how to promote their art or how to build their audiences.

The tricky part to this equation is that often there is little money and assistance available to make things happen. This is not just a frustration for the artists and performers.