Join the Conversation About Artist Needs
CREATIVZ—A platform for discussion on what artists in the United States need to sustain and strengthen their careers
From Grace Robinson, Public Information and Research Coordinator —
Networking and peer-to-peer discussions are a valuable opportunity for professional growth, learning best practices and overcoming challenges. However, these occasions can not always be found in ‘real-time.’ One of the many benefits found in today’s technology is the availability of alternate digital spaces to host discussion.
One such platform is CREATIVZ.US. An interactive research project, the website began publishing essays in February of 2016 by various authors. Readers are encouraged to take part in the project by contributing their reactions to the original post. In addition to comments posted directly on the web page, comments, images and ideas are pulled in through #creativz on different social media channels.
As the site moves towards its June 2016 study release date, new entries are published weekly. Adopting a blog post style, entries delve into issues and needs in the arts sector, specific to the United States. The most recent post is Who Sets the Agenda in America’s New Urban Core? This explores the topic of community development in relation to creative placemaking. The author asserts that those promoting or implementing creative placemaking are not always conscientious of people already residing in a community and also need to consider cultural activity as an end in itself, not simply a means to an end. The article goes on to pose questions, offering readers an opening into the proposed discussion.
Other articles include: What Artists Actually Need is an Economy that Works for Everyone; What Does it Mean to Sustain a Career in the Gig Economy; Why We can’t Achieve Cultural Equity by Copying those in Power; The Art School of the Future; and more.
Each piece contributes to the research project by presenting facts, commenting on perceived issues and inviting readers to become an integral part of the discussion. Head on over to CREATIVZ and share your experiences as an artist to take part in this evolving research project. #creativz
About
The Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) has partnered with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for the duration of the project, with additional support. CREATIVZ is rooted in findings of the Urban Institute 2003 report Investing in Creativity: A study of the Support Structure for U.S. Artists, building on the main ideas for support needs of artists established in the 2003 report. The posts serve as a thought provoking commentary on the needs of artists as they have evolved with the progress of time, while still looking back to the original “domains” defined in the above study: “validation; demand/markets; material supports such as space, equipment, employment, and funding; training and professional development; community and networks; and access to information.”
