Over the summer, Mirror Indy sought out to create a safe space for artists to share their wins, losses and dreams for the future of the creative industry in Indianapolis.
This event was only open to individual artists. Arts organizations or administrators were not invited.
On July 23, over 50 artists showed up at 10 East Arts Hub to join Mirror Indy’s Chat N Chew breakout discussions on pay equity, intergenerational relationship building, expanding access to local resources and utilizing the media to amplify their work.
Some of their stories echoed the pain that comes from not getting paid on time and how congested First Fridays are.
Many brainstormed on how to lessen the burden of the transition into a professional career for younger and upcoming artists. Others suggested offering material and equipment stipends to be used at an artist resource hub similar to Teacher’s Treasures.
They want artist-only field trips to neighboring cities led by more established artists.
Artists left knowing what’s working, what isn’t and their role in making Indianapolis a city where all creatives across disciplines can thrive.
We wanted an artist to help us share what we learned, so we commissioned DJ and illustrator Jannell Summers to create a comic strip for us.
Here’s what they had to say.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Mirror Indy reporter Mesgana Waiss covers arts and culture. Contact her at 317-667-2643 or mesgana.waiss@mirrorindy.org.
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