Why Everyone Must Support the Arts

In the face of global poverty, sickness and general lousy politics, it can be hard for some of us here in the U.S. to rationalize giving our carefully-budgeted charitable donations to arts organizations. Art doesn't save lives, does it?

(Insert ironic pause here.)

Arts donations don't just go out into a well-meaning void. I've worked with and for many arts and nonprofits folks. In the spirit of Acting Locally, remember that your contributions to a theatre company, musical group, museum, etc. are actually going to pay the salaries of working artists and the staff & administrators who have chosen to lend their talents to a less lucrative field than others they are probably entitled to.

This gentle rant inspired by a letter I just got from a friend who works with a Michigan arts festival:
( Read more... )

What can you do?

Donate when you can - or just support by paying museum admissions, theatre & concert tickets . . .

In Michigan, check out the frequently updated page for ArtServe: Mobilizing The Arts Community for Michigan.

A painter friend recommends Americans for the Arts e-advocacy center, which is currently asking people to help Congress pass an Artist Deduction Bill.

Any other ideas?

INTERSTITIAL COMICS in New York

From the beginning, the IAF has been interested in the interstitiality of comics, posting a a 2003 interview with Dave Lasky, as well as Personal Statements from Charles Vess and Kendrick Goss (in the form of a comic, of course).

To celebrate the publication of Interfictions, the first ever anthology of interstitial writing, the IAF is presenting a series of events to highlight interstitiality in all the arts.

In New York City, April 23 & April 30:
THE INTERSTITIAL ARTS FOUNDATION
In collaboration with the
MUSEUM OF COMIC AND CARTOON ART (MoCCA)
594 Broadway, NYC
presents 2 evenings of panels on
COMICS AND THE INTERSTITIAL

( Details: )