Thursday, June 02, 2005

Study - Strategies for Chicago Visual Artists

A study that might be of interest. I haven't read it yet. How this takes into account interdiciplinary artists and performance art I don't know.

see the html version here...

download pdf versions at http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/report.htm

I quote...

Empowering Visual Artists Initiative - Chicago Arts Resource

This study, Strategies for Chicago Visual Artists, details the current needs of visual artists in Chicago, the landscape of resources currently available to address these needs and what the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs can do to empower the city's visual artists.

Information was gathered through:
• Interviews with artists
• Arts service providers and arts organizations
• Focus groups of visual artists
• Survey analysis
• Research on best practices in other cities.

Primary Findings:
Space and Housing - Many artists say that securing affordable live/workspace is their primary concern. Lack of affordable space is cited as one of the main reasons artists abandon their practice.
Community - Visual artists express a greater need for community than artists in other disciplines, such as dance, film, music, etc.
Professional Development and Growth - All artists interviewed expressed their main goal as being able to make a living from their artwork, yet only one in four visual artists make over 75% of their household income from their artistic practice. Critical acclaim and financial success are heavily correlated to professional practices.
Access to Information and Resources - The majority of artists in the Focus Groups expressed interest in the Department of Cultural Affairs to function as an information consolidator or clearinghouse and to provide listings, opportunities, and other content consolidated from existing organizations and service providers.

Primary recommendations:
• Facilitate Space Assistance Programs for Artists
• Create a Citywide Council of Artists
• Promote Chicago-based Artists Nationally and Internationally
• Create a Central Resource of Information for Artists

Sunday, May 29, 2005

Performance brewing in Chicago

Met with some perfomance artists this afternoon for a bit of grillin and talking. Seems like some active performers including folks from Columbia College, SAIC, including the likes of Matthew Wilson and Deva Eveland are getting something going in Chicago.

Sounds like it will start with a show&tell w/ feedback session at the end of this month at the ante:room. I will post more about it when I hear more.

e