Supporting Individual Artists Working at the Nexus of Art and Society

Monday, October 14, 2:00pm – 4:30pm

Organized and moderated by Libby Barbee, regranting manager, RedLine; and Rob Kaufold, executive director, The Hemera Foundation.

Presented by Brigid McAuliffe, director and co-founder, Picture Me Here; Tara Rynders, artist, creator of “The Clinic”; and Alan Dominguez, filmmaker, creator of “Document Education”.

As arts funders, we know that art and culture play an invaluable role in maintaining healthy cities, creating resilient communities, and moving societies towards greater equality. Museums and nonprofits make up the bulk of foundation giving in the arts. However, individual artists are increasingly turning their practices towards community engagement and social good. Their projects are creating dialogue around social issues, bringing together diverse communities, giving voice to disenfranchised neighborhoods, and even providing needed services. How do we, as funders, support individual artists who are doing this type of work? This session will tackle this question through conversation with three Arts in Society (AiS) grantees – individual artists doing work at the nexus of art and society. The session will include audience dialogue and panelist conversation moderated by Rob Kaufold, executive director of the Hemera Foundation. Topics will include: How do we break down barriers to funding for individual artists? How can individual artists create sustainable practices focused on social engagement? How can funders help artists create the community connections that will make their work as impactful as possible? Is there potential for cultivating support for this type of work from non-arts funders?.