In the zeitgeist . . .

How Do Artists Make a Living?

The Berkshire Eagle | Francesca Olsen | August 2, 2021

“In 2019, the National Endowment for the Arts reported that artists were almost four times more likely to be self-employed as others in the labor force. Many of those 2.5 million artists also work a second job, or consider their artist work secondary to another job.”

A new survey reveals one impact the pandemic has had on Midwest artists

Up to Date | Steve Kraske | April 24, 2021

“COVID-19 has done more than take money out of the pockets of artists. It’s also robbed many of their creative output. We get a breakdown of the bigger picture provided by the survey and ask what financial relief has been available for those in the arts.”

Artist INC develops diverse artist business skills

Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette | Mary Jordan | July 27, 2020

“Artist Inc. Live has launched for its fourth year in Northwest Arkansas with its most diverse cohort of artists and facilitators yet, organizers say. The eight-week program began Tuesday to help about 22 artists develop entrepreneurial skills to build sustainable careers, said Lisa Marie Evans, regional program administrator. The program is offered through Mid-America Arts Alliance in Kansas City, Mo., said Diane Scott, program founder .”

For Artists in Need, a New Coalition Brings $11.6 Million in Speedy Relief

The New York Times | Jillian Steinhauer | May 4, 2020

“The grim findings echo and amplify those of other, smaller surveys. In one conducted by the Mid-America Arts Alliance in March (with artists in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas), 60 percent of respondents said their savings would sustain them for one month or less.”

How Small Arts Nonprofits in the US Are Responding to the Existential Threat of COVID-19

Hyperallergic | Paddy Johnson | April 13, 2020

“The flood of funding applications supports this statement, as does the data. According to a new report produced by Mid-America Arts Alliance, a regional arts organization that serves Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas, 81.5% of nearly 2000 artists surveyed have lost income, 37% have lost between three to five gigs and only 22% say they do not need any support right now.”