2020 laid bare the ways that our current systems have been failing artists for a long time. It has also shown us new forms of collective organizing and power-building in the arts and among creative communities. We saw the limitations of individualistic, atomized approaches to succeeding or surviving in the arts, as well as the fragility of formal institutions like museums, galleries, and nonprofits. We have been inspired by artists coming together collectively, pooling resources and sharing information to help support the broader creative community. If we are building a better, more equitable arts sector in the coming year(s), we need to nourish that community.

Soon enough, we’ll have to stop saying “these past few months” or “since March” when we want to refer to ways that the COVID pandemic has upended our lives because it’s about to be March again and we will soon be one full year into this.

For artists who are looking to raise money by crowdfunding, you’ll be reaching out to your personal network for support, including your family and friends. On the one hand, it’s most natural that the people closest to you will be the most enthusiastic about your creative vision. But on the other hand, it can be tricky to ask for donations from your nearest and dearest.

BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance is a “contemporary dance company of women that capture and communicate universal human encounters through dynamic, purposeful movement.” Founded in 2011, BodyStories brings cultural arts activism into their work, using immersive techniques to empower audiences to engage in performance in new and innovative ways. They create work for their own live performances and teach classes to young, pre-professional, and professional dancers.

Artists fundraise to bring in financial support in all kinds of ways. You can host benefit performances and galas, you can auction off items or experiences created by you and your community, or anything else that resonates with your audience. These days, when virtual gatherings are the norm, artists are livestreaming performances, creating virtual afterparties, Q&As, and other virtual fundraiser events for artists.

As someone who interviews people for a living, I often ask interview subjects for a bio and a headshot. But any time someone has asked the same of me, I balk!

Since 2014, Wikitongues has worked to preserve languages at risk of extinction and to revitalize languages that are falling out of use and out of prominence all over the world. The team behind Wikitongues affirms linguistic sovereignty as our global cultural right.

As an artist, creatives, or arts organization, if you’ve decided to put on a virtual performance or virtual fundraiser, you need to figure out where to have it. Sure, you’ll have it online, but … where?

Every month, Fractured Atlas provides a list of upcoming grant opportunities for artists and arts-based projects so that you can discover more opportunities to get financial support for your work. As a fiscal sponsor of 4000+ artistic projects, we provide access to grants for artists in every discipline.

Say you’ve decided you want to hold a virtual fundraiser to support your art work or for your arts organization. You’ve read the basics behind virtual events and advice from artists familiar with creating work virtually. But now what? Once you determine that you do want to hold a virtual fundraising event, you’ll have to figure out exactly which kind of event to hold (not to mention which platform you will use).