Aisha Jordan is creator of #HashtagTheShow, a sketch comedy web series acted out in live action “hashtags.” The series offers cultural commentary on society from the point of view of people of color.
How long have you been a member of Fractured Atlas?
I have been a member of Fractured Atlas since 2010. I was first a member for my theater company 2050 Legacy, a Hip-Hop and social justice theater company. Hashtag The Show, my web series, has been a member since winter 2017.
How has Fractured Atlas benefitted your artistic practice?
Fractured Atlas has been the first step and foundation to my work. When I think about doing anything, I think — we should probably sign up for Fractured Atlas right away. Not only is it a support system for fundraising, it’s such a flexible tool for administration. Even if you have just an idea, getting it started at Fractured Atlas allows the room for growth and change.
How has Fractured Atlas benefitted your revenue/income generation?
I have been able to hold crowdfunding campaigns, receive a grant and get a matching gift from Google. It has also helped me to manage my funding and tax preparation. I want to work on getting larger donors, more grants and expand my revenue streams with Artful.ly too.
What specific Fractured Atlas services/programs have you used?
I have used Fiscal Sponsorship the most, but have used Artful.ly for my theater company and will be using it much more when things ramp up for screenings of Hashtag The Show. In the past I’ve used Insurance, and SpaceFinder is legit my favorite service and the only service I use to find space for my events and rehearsals. I’ve even used it to find a dope space to shoot one of my sketch comedy skits!
Why do you think artists and organizations should become members of Fractured Atlas?
I advocate for Fractured Atlas like nobody’s business. I really think that artists can utilize the services and grow their work much faster than they think. Many people get confused because they think if you are connected to a non-profit that you can’t make a profit. This is not the case! If anything Fractured Atlas promotes the advancement of artists and, most importantly, makes sure that artists get paid for their craft. Not to mention, Fractured Atlas has services like Artful.ly that build revenue streams. Artists should definitely work with Fractured Atlas if they want to find new ways to fund their art and grow their business.
Do you have any upcoming events that people should know about?
Hashtag The Show is submitting to a few festivals right now and we will be putting out our first teaser trailer soon. We currently have a campaign going on to raise funds to pay our editor, designer and costs of festival submissions. Through our campaign people can help support the work and development of creators, editors, designers, producers of color.
Also, my theater company 2050 Legacy is working on an interactive event to be held in February 2019 on the “Nerd Diaspora,” so keep an eye out at 2050legacy.com for more info on that event.
What is your biggest accomplishment as a result of being a Fractured Atlas member?
My theater company received a grant from the Ford Foundation that allowed us to go to Mexico for an artistic retreat and attend the New York International Fringe Festival with our finished work. That was pretty fantastic.
We are so proud of our advancements so far with Hashtag The Show. So far, we have successfully hired a crew of 80% women and cast and crew of 95% people of color to shoot three sketch comedy skits for the pilot. We are ecstatic to be a part of the movement that is changing the landscape of modern media and the industry at large!
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