Support the arts- support the artist

I challenge you to become a proud supporter of the arts.

Support comes in many forms. You are probably like me, in that you are inundated by requests for cash support. Certainly financial support is important. I give what I can, when I can, and I'm sure you do, too. However, money is only one of the ways to support the arts.

We can support the arts by attending. We can attend plays, showcases of artists’ works, concerts. We can visit museums and galleries. We can go to festivals and conventions.

We can support the arts by participating. Take a class in pottery. Take a class in art history. Write a poem or a song. Take some photographs. Audition for a show. Draw. Paint. Dance.

We can support the arts by helping our society value the arts. Let your legislature know that the arts are important to you. You pay taxes- ask that some of those monies go to enrich everyone by promoting the arts as a valuable part of our society. Ask for local artists to be featured in our libraries, bookstores, and cafes.  Write a review of a work of art that you have recently enjoyed- whether it’s a book, a movie, a sculpture, a play. Tell a friend to check it out.

We can support the arts by supporting artists. Artists pour out their energies in the act of creation. They are investing themselves, heart, mind, and soul, in their creations. It takes a lot out of a person! So support your local artist! Offer to listen. Ask what the person is working currently. Take an artist out for coffee or a beer.

I'm an artist*. I am an artist primarily in a collaborative art- theatre. Theatre is an art that only exists in collaboration- among the artists of the theatre, and with the audience. While it is obviously true that the performing arts, to truly exist, must exist by sharing with their audiences, I believe it is also important for all artists to share with their society. Whether the artist is celebrating or mourning, calling us to action or calling us to account, each artist is a part of the larger society and in relationship with it.

With us.

Supporting the arts is more than writing a check. Supporting the arts is supporting the artists.

Including the artist in you.

 

*You can definitely take me out for coffee. Or beer ;-)