City of Alexandra: Step up!!!

The City of Alexandria, Virginia owns the Torpedo Factory building - one of the greatest art jewels of the United States. In these strange times, this is what one of the artists who rents a studio in that building notes:

Its a surprising to me that the AlexandriaVA.gov hasn't waived rent for the artists at the Torpedo Factory. Actually, it disgusts me. I mean, I get it, it now runs on tax dollars and our rent but what is the Office Of The Arts (no facebook page, weird but unsurprising) going to do when they are faced with several empty studios come the end of this bc artists are struggling and don't want to face owing the city thousands of dollars? The city said they would waive rent for now but we'd have to pay it back, but they will work with us on a payment plan. No fucking way, I'm already struggling, not going into hock to a tyrannical government. "We're from the government and we're here to help."

The city really hasn't been very effective. There was one studio empty for months bc they couldn't fill it, another that is rented but the artist is never there, never. I know of at least 2 studios that will be empty soon, before this mess. Under the watch of the Torpedo Factory Artists' Association that never happened. Never. Ever. Maybe the city needs to reconsider allowing a thriving artist association to manage the studios again, or at the very least, allow our 2019 artists to sublet and be eligible for studios. After all, they went thru the same blind jury process that's been in place for 45 years and created the center that is today so beloved. Weird, right, that the city would draw such an arbitrary line, especially when they can't fill studios on a slow day. It sure will be interesting to see how this unfolds....

Wuhan Virus Impact Survey for Artists

Americans for the Arts has developed a COVID-19 Impact Survey. also with a companion survey for individuals (artists) to complete. Please take a moment to take part in the survey as the VCA is tracking the data relative to the state, and using it as a reference point in impact updates to the Administration, other key policy makers and stakeholders. 

You are encouraged to complete the survey periodically in the time ahead, as the Americans for the Arts is poised to track increasing impacts as time goes on. 

Do the survey here.

The curious case of Michael Barbaro's voice cadence

Five years ago I wrote about the hypnotizing voice of the then new NPR ads voice over person, and even postulated what the owner of that melodious voice would be like (somewhat like Parmigianino's Madonna dal Collo Lungo).

I also lamented and discussed uniquely young American female phenomenon of "vocal fry." Young, that is, until Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's spectacularly annoying voice made its debut during the attempted lynching of now Justice Kavanaugh.

Enter another radio voice into the arena: the strangely-patterned diction of Michael Barbaro, who is an American journalist and the host of The New York Times news podcast, The Daily.

Barbaro, who sounds like a really nice guy, is clearly a graduate of the William Shatner School of Diction, as his melodious voice seems to speak in "chunks."  He starts a sentence, makes unexpected stops after random words, has a delay of game second or two, and then continues the sentence as if nothing unusual has just been delivered to the airwaves.

Sort of like (my imaginary trascript): 

"Good afternoon. Today's podcast is...  ....  ... fascinating.  We will speak with Lenny Campello, who can best be described... ... ... as a legend... ... ... in his own mind, and perhaps... ... ... in a few other... ... ... ... ... minds - welcome Lenny."

The voice starts - first gear goes in smoothly, second gear no problem... but then neutral kicks in... and then Mikey pops the clutch back to second gear -- it is spectacularly addictive!!!

Listen to The Daily here.

Call for photographers

The contest is organized by the International Basketball Foundation. This year, photographers and basketball lovers may submit their photos that best illustrate the theme WOMEN IN BASKETBALL. 

Each participant may submit a maximum of three images. 

No Entry Fee. 

Details: http://bitly.com/2CazgIJ

Call for artists

Artists from around the world are invited to design a poster on the theme “Zero Waste.” 

“Zero Waste” to remind the individuals what their responsibilities towards the environment are; It includes raising awareness of why we should attach importance to “Zero Waste” to leave a green Earth for future generations. Each artist may submit up to three posters. 

No Entry Fee. 

Details: http://bitly.com/3dz90r0

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resources

Resources for Artists and Organizations Navigating COVID-19

The American Alliance of Museums has compiled a guide to help museums prepare internally and externally for outbreaks in their communities.

The American Folklore Society has a list of resources for folklorists and other working in the traditional arts field.

Americans for the Arts is posting info on COVID-19 on their home page as well as asking arts organizations and creatives to provide data and stories for an impact survey.

Artist Relief is a coalition of national arts grantmakers that have come together to create an emergency initiative to offer financial and informational resources to artists across the United States.

ArtsReady, an online emergency preparedness service by and for arts/cultural nonprofits, is adding updates daily.

The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) has pulled together resources to help you and your team prepare for and respond to the potential impact of the Coronavirus.

Billboard has a state-by-state listing of resources for professional musicians.

The Center for Folklore Studies at The Ohio State University has put together a list of resources for folklorists nationwide.  

This COVID-19 & Freelance Artists list contains general resources, advocacy links, and a growing list of funding opportunities.  

Creative Capital has a comprehensive list for artists working in all disciplines, organizations trying to steady the boat, and anyone working to create the new normal.

DC’s Capital Bop has posted a list of resources for DC jazz artists and audiences.

Dance/USA has a comprehensive list of information and resources regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the dance field.

The Delaware Division of the Arts has a list of resources specific to the state along with national grant opportunities and technical assistance.

The DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the University of Maryland is offering pro bono consultations to any U.S.-based non-profit arts or culture organization between March and June 2020, as a response to the mounting effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Jazz Philadelphia has shared a list of national resources for musicians and other resources that are specific to Philadelphia and PA.

The Joan Mitchell Foundation has posted a COVID-19 Emergency Resources for Visual Artists listing that breaks opportunities out by regions as well as nationally.

Maryland Citizens for the Arts has a great list of resources for artists and organizations including grants, relief funds, and info on MD’s small business relief programs.

The Maryland State Arts Council has posted resources specific to MD organizations, artists, and businesses as well as links to national resources.

The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center has compiled a list of links from Federal agencies and other organizations applicable to individuals with disabilities, older adults, educators, employers, businesses and more.

NAPAMA (North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents) has posted a list of resources including information related to airfare refund and/or cancellation policies, emergency fund and relief programs, sample communications, and more.

The National Endowment for the Arts has posted a comprehensive list of national resources for artists and arts organizations.

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts is sending a weekly newsletter and posting resources to their website.

New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is posting regular updates with information on their programs as well as other links to support.

The New York State Council on the Arts has a resource list for NY-based artists and organizations that includes funding as well as preparedness, legal, and other technical support. Many of the resources are national as well.

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts provides resource links for artists, organizations, creative entrepreneurs, arts workers, and arts administrators.

The Recording Academy^® and its affiliated charitable foundation MusiCares^® have established the COVID-19 Relief Fund to their peers in the music community affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Virginia Commission on the Arts has put together a great list of resources for VA artists and organizations. The list also includes national resources and resources for audiences.

Need help with grants during the pandemic?

Through April 24, between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm ET, feel free to drop in to Americans for the Arts Zoom "Office Hours with Nina"

http://go.pardot.com/e/565082/hhejRuT3BRbEtvR3AvSXhmLy92dz09/441kp8/495663029?h=1N25ndD_jkYMxjmcMe05Nhe8PJ5E-2usJdRRDdhvBCo

Nina will be available to help you navigate the complex web of funding opportunities, federal regulations, and deadlines related to the $2.2 trillion federal aid package in the CARES Act.

Lest we forget

More grants for artists in dire $$$$ needs

To support artists during the COVID-19 crisis, a coalition of national arts grantmakers have come together to create an emergency initiative to offer financial and informational resources to artists across the United States: Super easy to apply for artists experiencing dire financial emergencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic:

Click here!

More Arts Resources: Wherewithal Recovery Arts Grants Opens Today!

Wherewithal Recovery Grants
from the Washington Project for the Arts
 

Recognizing the profound economic and artistic toll that the COVID-19 virus is taking on visual artists in our region, Washington Project for the Arts (WPA) is launching a recovery fund with $60,000 in seed funding from a $100,000 grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.

Wherewithal Recovery Grants are available to professional visual artists, as well as moving-image / performance / sound artists with a history of presenting or performing in visual arts contexts (galleries, museums, etc.), living inside the DC-area Beltway. The $1,000 grants are intended to help offset lost income from cancelled exhibitions, performances, or lectures, and from canceled or furloughed employment.

The application portal will open on Tuesday, April 7^th and can be accessed at www.wherewithalgrants.org. WPA staff will review applications every two weeks on a rolling basis until all the funds have been dispensed.

Preference will be given to artists who can demonstrate need and whose practices are in alignment with one or more of WPA’s values: collaboration, experimentation, and inclusivity. The names of all applicants and awardees will be kept confidential.

For questions about Wherewithal Recovery Grants, please contact Nathalie von Veh at nvonveh@wpadc.org.

The Coronavirulization of Stimulus Packages

If/when there's another pandemic stimulus package, before the politicos fill it with pork, how about including a special pay, one time bonus - $25K - $50K per person, to doctors, nurses, hospital staff, first responders, cops, grocery workers, truck drivers, etc.? 

In other words, to all those who are putting their cojones on the line for the rest of us? 

Send your elected representatives a note! You can get their address and or phone number below:

• Contact President Donald Trump online, or call the White House switchboard at 202-456-1414 or the comments line at 202-456-1111 during business hours.
• Locate your U.S. senators' contact information.
• Find your U.S. representative's website and contact information.

I'm looking at you Nancy Pelosi!

I'm looking at you Schiff!

I'm looking at you McConnell!

I'm looking at you Schumer!

DC Metro Virtual Town Hall: Strategies for Survival in the Visual Arts

DC METRO VIRTUAL TOWN HALL

STRATEGIES FOR SURVIVAL IN THE VISUAL ARTS

Tues, April 14, 6-7:30pm

Co-hosted by the Third Space Network, McLean Project for the Arts/VA
VisArts/Rockville/MD & Hamiltonian Artists/DC

The Third Space Network (3SN) announces DC Metro Virtual Town Hall:
Strategies for Survival in the Visual Arts on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, 6-7:30pm. 

The event will address the impact of Covid-19 on the visual arts in the DC metropolitan cultural community, an invitation for visual arts organizations, galleries, artists, curators, and other arts professionals to participate.

To register/access the event, visit the Third Space Network’s Crowdcast online platform: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/dc-metro-virtual-town

The DC Metro Virtual Town Hall will include short presentations by local arts leaders and funders along with open public dialogue intended to share solutions for the following: funding sources, future programming, support for artists, and engagement in community outreach. The event will also be an information resource for organizations facing the challenge of migrating their public events and exhibitions to the online medium. The Virtual Town Hall is envisioned as
a timely opportunity to call for a regional-wide arts consortium for initiating collaborative projects and joint funding: helping to unite arts & cultural communities in the DC region during these extraordinary times of crisis.

Confirmed Guest Speakers: Nora Halpern, Vice-President of Leadership Alliances, Americans for the Arts; Jack Rasmussen, Director of the American University Museum/Chair, Maryland State Arts Council; Robert Goudie, Virginia Commission for the Arts; Sarah Burford, Media Arts Specialist/Visual Arts, National Endowment for the Arts: TBA, DC Commission on
the Arts & Humanities.

Planning Group: Randall Packer, Creative Director & Christina Papanicolaou,
Communications Strategy, Third Space Network; Nancy Sausser, Curator/Exhibitions Director, McLean Project for the Arts; Susan Main, Gallery Director/Curator & Frank McCauley, Assistant Curator, VisArts/Rockville; Lily Siegel, Executive Director, Hamiltonian Artists/DC; Richard Dana, Artist/Co-founder, Take Me to the River Project; Kerry Brougher, former Chief Curator/Deputy Director, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

Guest Speakers: Nora Halpern, Vice-President of Leadership Alliances, American for the Arts, is an art historian and curator. She joined Americans for the Arts in 2001, while also maintaining a rigorous practice as an independent curator.

Jack Rasmussen, Director and Curator of the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, Washington, DC since 2005, he previously held Executive Director positions at di Rosa Preserve: Art & Nature, Maryland Art Place, and Rockville Arts Place. He also currently serves as Chair of the Maryland State Arts Council. 

Robert Goudie was appointed by Gov. Ralph Northam to the Virginia Commission for the Arts in 2019. He is also the executive director of the Reston Town Center Association, has been Board Chair for the Greater Reston Arts Center the last six years, and helped found Public Art Reston and serves on its Board of Directors.

Sarah Burford is Media and visual arts program manager for the National Endowment for the Arts. She is also a curator and creative professional with expertise in program development and management; philanthropy and grant-making; modern and contemporary art; museums; government; non-profit management; and the public sector. 

Co-Hosts:
Third Space Network (3SN) is an artist-driven Internet platform for staging creative dialogue and live performance. 

https://thirdspacenetwork.com/ f thirdspacenetwork / t @thirdspacenet / i
@thirdspacenet

Hamiltonian Artists is a dynamic catalyst for DC’s creative economy and a vibrant center for contemporary art in Washington, DC. https://www.hamiltonianartists.org/

McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) exhibits the work of emerging and established artists from the mid-Atlantic region, offers instruction and education in the visual arts, and promotes public awareness and understanding of the concepts of contemporary art. https://mpaart.org

VisArts in Rockville transforms individuals and communities through the visual arts. Their vision is a vibrant, diverse community enriched and connected by the visual arts. https://www.visartscenter.org/

Coronavirus Resources

COVID-19 RELIEF AND RESOURCES

• AHCMC: Coronavirus Prevention and Planning Resources 
• Americans for the Arts | 5-Minute Survey: The Economic Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the Arts and Cultural Sector
• Wherewithal Relief Grants – Washington Project for the Arts and the Warhol Foundation
• East City Art: COVID-19 Pandemic Resources for the DC Area Visual Arts Community
• MSAC: COVID-19 State of Emergency Statement & Resources
• SBA Disaster Loan
• MSAC: Maryland-based Virtual Events & Content. Add your virtual programming to this list! Submit a link to msac.commerce@maryland.gov 
• ArtworkArchive Resources for Artists
• National Coalition for Arts' Preparedness & Emergency Response (NCAPER) 
• Emergency Grant for Women Identifying Visual Artists Over 40
• Emergency Funds - All Art Forms
• COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources

WORKING AND CREATING AT HOME

• Arts & Culture at Home
• Working, Gathering, and Teaching Online
• Creative Prompts for Art Projects During Social Distancing 
• Free Online Events and Activities for Kids at Home
• Download Free Coloring Books from 113 Museums
• Meditations for Artists
• Yoga Poses for Artists
• Stay at Home Online Music and Events
• Takoma Park Arts
• Adventures in Public Art: Explorer Edition
• DC Arts and Humanities Museum Resources for Distance Learning

Another reason why the Washington Post sucks

These are some of the things that really super fucking piss me off about how the WaPo views its local DMV arts presence - they hire an Italian artist to write about daily life in Milan (from an artist's point of view) during the coronavirus outbreak... how about hiring a fucking DMV artist to do that from your own backyard's perspective?

If you don't get it... you don't get it!

And when was the last time that a DMV artist got a center spread like this?

The Coronavirulization of Art: More COVID-19 resources

Click here to download PDF list compiled by the Maryland Art Place.

The Coronavirulization of Art: Bromo Artist Relief Fund

Announcing the Bromo Artist Relief Fund 
 

Artists and arts organizations are critical to Baltimore's culture and economy and have been significantly impacted by the rapidly evolving Coronavirus pandemic. In response, the Bromo Arts and Entertainment District will assist artists from varying creative industries to apply for financial support. The Bromo Artist Relief Fund is specifically for artists whose place of business and/or home is located within the geography of the Bromo District.

Applications open on April 3rd and will close on Friday, April 17th at 5pm. Grants will be awarded the week of April 27th. Twenty $500 grants will be made available to artists working in all disciplines. Mimicking the newly launched “Boston Relief Fund”, giving parameters are as follows: The fund will be open for but not limited to the following uses:

Recouping financial losses due to cancelled events. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Performances in all performing arts disciplines
• Readings, panels, and speaking opportunities

Reimbursement for travel expenses related to creative work that you paid for yourself. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Attending conferences and convenings that have been cancelled
• Artist Residencies
• Touring

Offsetting loss of income for teaching artists who could not teach during this time because of cancelled classes and school closures

Support for artists working full or part-time in the service industry who have lost supplemental income used to support their creative practices.

Applications will be reviewed to ensure that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements. If eligible, applicants will receive a number that enters them into the grant lottery. Awardees will then be chosen through a randomized selection process. All awardees and applicants will receive notification from the Bromo Arts District organization the week of April 27th.

APPLICATIONS OPEN APRIL 3

For more information click HERE 

The Coronavirulization of Art: Call For Baltimore Artists

Call For Artists 

Downtown Groups Lauch #ArtOfBaltimore:
ISSUE CALL for ARTISTS TO PARTICIPATE IN DIGITAL PLACEMAKING

Campaign is part of a larger series of Coronavirus responses Planned by Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

BALTIMORE – To help support local artists and spark positive energy as we adjust to the economic and cultural impact of the COVID-19 virus, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore (DPOB), Maryland Art Place, and the BROMO Arts & Entertainment District, have launched #ArtOfBaltimore. This campaign with a heart will display works by local artists on digital signage throughout Downtown Baltimore neighborhoods.

“With so many hospitals, first responders, restaurant workers, and residents, Downtown is still a busy place. We wanted to do something that both supports local artists and brings uplifting imagery to public spaces,” said Shelonda Stokes, Downtown Partnership’s Interim President. “Art is healing for the soul.”

#ArtOfBaltimore is one of several new programs being rolled out by Downtown Partnership beginning this week. As the leading advocate for property owners, businesses, and nearly 43,000 residents in the heart of Central Maryland, DPOB is preparing a multi-pronged strategy to help people through the unprecedented economic and social challenges associated with the Coronavirus. The initiatives include direct assistance to businesses, informational webinars, and promotions to help restaurants and artists.

For #ArtOfBaltimore, a call went out on Tuesday for works by local artists, in any original medium, that will be displayed on Baltimore’s 13 Interactive Kiosks (IKEs) and the large format video sign on the track level at Penn Station. Each artist will receive a licensing fee and additional promotion of their work on DPOB social media channels.

The campaign will begin displaying the art on Monday, April 6, and will run for 10+ weeks, with a rotating set of two artists featured every 14 days. Selected artists will receive a $250 licensing fee per unique artwork featured on the IKE kiosks, as well as promotion on all usages of artworks. Artist name, artwork title, website and/or social media handles will be included or linked wherever possible.

The Call for Artists and details about #ArtOfBaltimore are posted at: www.GoDowntownBaltimore.com. 

Daily updates about other Coronavirus assistance programs will be posted there in the coming days and weeks.

Crap Rolls Downhill

Found this cartoon that I did in 1976 when I was stationed in San Diego...

Job in the arts

Arlington Arts Center is looking for art instructors for their upcoming art classes (once normal operations re-start). This is a contracted position starting at $32/hour for instructors with a BA/BFA and $35/hour for instructors with an MA/MFA.

Details here.

Invitation to Participate: THROUGH THE EYE OF ART: a social media arts project by Gil Projects

Passing it on:

Color means multiple things to different people and cultures. ... People are attracted to specific colors just as they like different foods. Color also represents feelings, people, countries, cultures, and color symbolism. In the Western world, for example, the color red is seen frequently as symbolizing anger or aggression. 

Through The Eye of Art is an invitation to everyone to come together during this global crisis by using color to express varied perspectives of art and global culture. 

It is easy to participate. 

Each week will focus on a different color.  Using that color and your interpretation of it, you will create any kind of art: visual/plastic arts, photography, music, poetry, dance, etc.

Take a picture of it or make a short video.

Post it on your Instagram or Facebook page. Make sure to tag it as @ThroughTheEyeof_Art on Instagram or @ThroughTheEyeofArt on Facebook.

We will re-post it on our page in this way establishing thousands of followers across the world who can see your interpretation of the color of the week.

We can come together through art and see the world in a different way during the current crisis. 

Projected colors of the week:

Blue                March 26 - April 1
Red                   April 2 - April 8
Purple               April 9 – April 15
Green               April 16 - April 22
Orange            April 23 - April 29
White              April 30 - May 6
Black               May 7 - May 13
Gray                May 14 - May 20
Any Color       May 21 till May 31

Remember that all photos or videos that you post on your Instagram or Facebook should be tagged @ThroughTheEyeof_Art on Instagram or @ThroughTheEyeofArt on Facebook. 

Frida Kahlo anyone?

This 1981 proof just showed up for auction at an auction house in Florida - as I recall, I did this work for portrait class at the School of Art at the University of Washington... I did it as a lithograph edition of ten, and thus with one work I also got credit for it at Printmaking class! Two birds with one stone!

Bid for it here.


#fridakahlo