The Dream
I am, by and large, a creator. I love unique solutions to problems in all aspects of my life.
Several years ago I finally defined this nagging problem I saw: Art is no longer a societal staple.
I believe that we, as a society, hamper our artists, people who are the most likely to create catalysts for change and growth. We demand that they operate in the world of money and politics and impressing the elite. I believe this approach is a disease that we aren't doing enough to fight.
So I figured out a way that I could make a difference.
I defined a two-part grant structure: Part one is money directly for the artist. The artist gets money for their project with almost no restriction. Part two is money that enables the artist to give back to the community. The community gets something from that artist for ‘free’. The artist gets paid for the community work they perform. And maybe, just maybe, the community members value the interaction and support it financially.
For example: A musician receives a grant to create a CD. Their 'give back' is a concert that is free to the public, being funded by the Growing Art Organization. The musician then has an advertising venue, a place to debut their CD, and gets paid for their time. The community gets a no-cost concert and access to a local artists' work.
In essence, the grant structure is rather like amending soil with nutrient rich material instead of nutrient-poor material. One likely fosters growth and health, the other fosters sickness and decline.
The Dream Links
|
