ARTISTS NEED MORE THAN INSPIRATION
Artists make the world more alive, you know? They’re full of talent and drive. But just having that spark isn’t enough these days to actually build a career. If you’re an artist – whatever you do – you need to learn more than just your art. You need skills to make it work. It’s not just a bonus anymore; it’s the basic stuff you need to really do well and contribute something lasting.
The Reality: The Tough Day-to-Day for Artists
Forget the picture of the artist who just magically makes it. That’s not how it goes for most people. Think about how artists spend their time: a lot of it is on their art – that’s the core. But a crazy amount also goes into stuff you might not see – getting their work out there, handling the business side, all that admin. And even with all that effort, the money often just isn’t there. And these days, with tariffs and trade wars everywhere, it’s a tough situation, and here’s why:
First off, it’s the “gig trap.” Artists often live project to project. One job ends, you look for the next. Money’s up and down like crazy. Planning for the future? Hard to even think about. Then, there’s the “getting seen” thing. Being good isn’t enough; people have to know you’re good. So, artists have to become their own marketing teams – figure out social media, build a fanbase, promote themselves constantly. Stuff they probably never learned in art school. And it’s a grind. And finally, money help – grants, residencies, those kinds of things – are super competitive. You have to be a good grant writer, know how to ask for money, and deal with a lot of rejections. It’s draining and takes up tons of time.
Why Capacity Building Matters: Good for Artists, Good for Everyone
Helping artists get better at the business side isn’t just about them as individuals. It’s about making the whole art world stronger, and that’s good for everyone. Think of it like building blocks for an artist’s career. You start with basic business smarts – how to run things. Then, you learn about money – how to handle it and make it work for you. Then, marketing – how to connect with people. And finally, networking – meeting the right folks. Get all those pieces in place, and artists can actually build careers that last. So, supporting artists with these skills? It’s not just helping them get ahead; it’s making our communities better places. Artists make life richer – culturally, yes, but also economically and socially. They make our towns and cities better places to be. Helping artists is helping all of us in the long run.