Feed a Starving Artist

http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2013/03/04/amanda-palmer-on-the-art-of-asking-ted/

In my network of filmmakers, musicians, writers, photographers etc. there is a mutual understanding that what we chose to do professionally needs to be supported by one another, and by the community at large that we serve. Often times when one of needs the skills or a favor of another, we barter. For example my friends needed a dog sitter for a week, I need updated photos for of myself for my website and professional accounts - they're photographers, and I love dogs. So I watched their dog and in return, instead of asking for money, that did my photos. Good deal.

Its part of my career to have to ask others to see my vision, believe in my work, and financially support my projects. I recently just completed a fundraising campaign for the Columbine Wounded Minds documentary that has been several years in the making. And so when I saw this article, I found it important to share and talk about our culture and how we perceive the idea of asking of others to be financially supported.

What I have come to find to be true in my own life and career, just as this young musician discussed, is that we need to make personal connections. Its not about making the money, but the connections. In that we build the support we need to grow and continue. And I do believe the arts is a professional career that people should consider supporting. We enjoy music and movies and performances -- and when we take the time to get to know the minds behind the work we see the passion and commitment to provide meaning and purpose in our entertainment. Just as would support a minister who we share a religious vision with or a non-profit we share a humanitarian vision with.

In our culture there is definitely some shame that is tied to having to ask for help whether it be labor or financial support. I'm currently taking a non-profit fundraising class and I find the common thought in the class is that it's uncomfortable to ask someone to give you money. But what we've also discussed heavily is that if we believe in the vision of the organization and we are truthful about the needs, then there is no shame is being confident to ask someone that is able to to donate. And the most effective way is by building personal connections. Communicating and casting vision -- I don't think we're taught well how to communicate with other in that way. And so it comes off as begging and being a nag. This could be argued too for homeless communities and those who feel shame for having to "beg," which I also find to not be shameful and I do think is a responsibility of the community to help and support. But that may be another blog..

I was encouraged by this article and the way in which is promotes more communication and more opportunities to build communities of support. I agree with her strategy on allowing the individual to decide how much her talent and work is worth - I think in the long run she'll probably make more money anyways because people will be investing in someone they know and support rather then making a payment to an iTunes transaction.

I think the following line is very interesting and I'm curious to know how others who aren't used to the idea of needing fundraising or donations feels about individuals making their livelihood off of the financial contributions of others.  How do you feel about the communication of asking, is it acceptable? Should it carry shame? Is it "real" work?  

And yet, we live in a culture that perpetuates the false perception of a certain power dynamic between giver and receiver, and — worse yet — stigmatizes the very act of asking as undignified.