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Jan 06, 2023
Society always seems to struggle in their love affair with the arts. Everyone want art for free - especially on a local level. While many don't blink at spending hundreds and even thousands on season tickets to theaters or concert halls, or annual subscriptions to museums, when it comes to supporting arts programming on a local level, they balk. Why?
“I love to support the arts, but…”
When someone I like and respect recently said this to me, I flashed back to a friend I had in my late 20s. We’ve all had a friend like this. The one, who when someone else asks you if they're single, you find yourself saying, “I’d introduce you, s/he’s great and all, but…” and the word “but” means that friend isn’t quite good enough to trust with someone else you care for or respect. So that friend is nice enough for a platonic relationship but not a meaningful one.
Aside from being a working artist, I also started a local arts council. In building a creative community to support and bring recognition to local artists (with a goal to attract tourism revenue to our area), I’ve met some very talented artists, arts educators, local leaders, and private citizens who have supported me on the journey.
Finding funding is a challenge for all arts organizations, particularly on a local level. Many people are more than willing to pay for urban theater/museum tickets, dance/voice/art lessons for their children or even themselves, but when you ask about funding local programs which will support working artists in their own community, I've heard that line, “I’m all about supporting the arts, but…” come out. Indicating many are comfortable having a platonic relationship with the arts - so no true commitment to enriching their immediate community if it means being asked for a donation.
Artists pay taxes too
Often working artists aren’t recognized as tax-paying, small business owners. They spend their lives (and money) developing skill and talent, researching, experimenting, and studying, all while figuring out how to pay their bills (frequently with another job). To make the decision to be a professional working artist requires vision, confidence, a really thick skin, deep reserves of energy, and grit. It's one of the most challenging careers, because there is no defined trajectory.
While commonly pursuing dual careers, artists pay taxes, mortgages, and utility bills, just like everyone else. Artists don’t get a break on anything just because they chose a more difficult business. Their taxes contribute to local schools and infrastructure. Artists contribute as equally to their communities as other business owners.
Donate art... seriously?
Despite this, many are quick to ask artists to work for free. “Can’t you just donate it?” And, “You’ll get really good exposure if you do this.” While there is truth in gaining helpful 'exposure' for all businesses - the reality of it is that artists rarely benefit from decorating space for free, or giving work away to someone else's cause.
FYI: That's not a tax break (for artists)
When an artist 'donates' something to a cause, they don't get to write it off. However, if another person were to pay for an artist's goods/services and then donate that purchase, they are able to write their donation off. Before you ask an artist to 'donate' work for fundraising purposes, consider purchasing their work yourself, then donating it to the cause. You'll do triple good... support a working artist, support your cause, and get a tax break!
Am I just on a rant about something that irritates me? Maybe a little, well, maybe a lot. But I'm also passionate about helping educate the public to understand the real value behind local arts programs. I feel strongly that communities need to support their working artists in the same manner other local business is supported.
As everything does, it comes down to money. Communities many not want to budget for the arts, because they're concerned about the cost. However, the real truth is that developing community arts programs draws tourism revenue and business to a region. The arts give voice and personality, they unite communities, adding a vibrancy unmatched by anything else. Years of statistics, around the world, have proven that for every dollar a community spends on the arts, they generate 3-4 times that in local revenue. Who doesn't want to see that ROI?
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To use this feature, Just look for the "Live Preview AR" button when viewing any piece of art on this website!
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