Seattle-based Acrobatic Conundrum creates technically rigorous, ensemble-based circus shows that seek to contribute to a more courageous and connected world. Founded in 2012, the company has been a member of Fractured Atlas since 2015.
How has Fractured Atlas benefitted your artistic practice?
Without Fractured Atlas, I don’t think we would still be practicing our art in this way! The fiscal sponsorship program has given our small company the benefits of 501(c)3 status without the massive administrative work that goes along with being a non-profit. We have more time — and energy — to be risky and ambitious in our art making.
How has Fractured Atlas benefitted your revenue/income generation?
The most direct benefit comes through the fiscal sponsorship program; it increases our grant eligibility and enables us to accept tax-deductible donations. A less direct — but equally important — benefit is the ability to track audience relations. Through the Artful.ly ticketing system, we can see who has donated, what shows they’ve seen, if they opened our newsletter . . . It’s an invaluable way for us to identify people who are really invested in the work we’re doing. They are the core of our community. They provide the insightful and thoughtful feedback that allows us to improve as a company, which in turn leads to better audience experience and increased revenue.
What specific Fractured Atlas services or programs have you used?
We use Artful.ly, and all of the features it offers, for ticket sales and audience/donor relationship management. Fractured Atlas helped us find liability insurance, serves as our fiscal sponsor, and provided resources for information about international work visas.
Why do you think artists and organizations should become members of Fractured Atlas?
Fractured Atlas provides a tremendous support system. As a small company, knowing that there is someone we can turn to with practical arts business questions is invaluable. If you’d like a network of kind, responsive professionals behind you then membership is the way to go!
Do you have any upcoming events that people should know about?
We’re touring our newest show “The Fig Tree Waltzes” around the East Coast through September and October. “The Fig Tree Waltzes” is inspired by a quote from Sylvia Plath. It’s an exploration of indecision, desperation and tenacity in the face of choice. It features our signature style of virtuosic athleticism infused with relatable humanity. After that, we’ll spend the month in Seattle for our hometown season at 12th Avenue Arts. The season is a surprise though; we can’t tell you yet what we’re gonna do! I can tell you that tickets will be available through Artful.ly!
What is your biggest accomplishment as a result of being a Fractured Atlas member?
Our biggest accomplishment is that we’re not just surviving, we’re growing. We’re more courageous artistically and better organized administratively than we’ve ever been. I don’t think we would be here without Fractured Atlas’ support.
Follow Acrobatic Conundrum on Facebook: @Acrobatic.Conundum; on Instagram: @acrobraticconundrum; and on Twitter: @Acronundrum.
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