THe future collective
Our remaining funds have been passed along to the rising "Future Collective." They're doing great, creative things in the Brattleboro arts community. Look them up, or contact Tess Lindsay for more info. She is on their steering committee.
Tess Lindsay
snowflakecandy@gmail.com
Posted: Feb, 28, 2013.
Tess Lindsay
snowflakecandy@gmail.com
Posted: Feb, 28, 2013.
Hello All,
It is with mixed-emotion that I announce the indefinite hiatus of the Free Is Art project. There are many reasons for this decision, but as with most new businesses, financial struggle is the main cause of our suspension.
Our first year of programs was funded by over $15,000 of donations from individuals and foundations. That sum paid for over 500 hours of music instruction, art classes, administrative work, rent and advertising. We delivered a remarkable program for only $30 an hour*- an incredible and (unfortunately) unsustainable feat.
Offering access to meaningful learning opportunities is deeply important to me. Free Is Art approached this idea from a musical and artistic angle, and I feel we have done the best we could with our available resources. I have invested a significant amount of personal time and money towards Free Is Art. While it saddens me to see the project stall, our current business model is not working. I have many ideas for improving the organization, but ideas take time to implement and I am simply out of free time.
There is good news, though. I am planning visits to renowned free music programs in Chicago and Philadelphia in hopes of learning more about how they sustain their work. I am studying with master teacher George Weber, in Carbondale, CO (right now) and am learning a lot about how to deliver exceptional arts programing. Also in the works is a "Freesource" pamphlet for Windham County residents. Inspired by "Windham In Your Wallet" we are working to compile a directory of music/art resources in the area, with simple tips on how to access and maintain relationships with artists, musicians, teachers and mentors on the local level- especially if you come from a low-income background.
This project is not dead, but it is in deep hibernation. Extremely generous donors, "angels," could swoop in and save the day. I would welcome it, but am not holding my breath. If you'd like to discuss this decision, announcement, or anything else please feel free to email me at: freeisart.windham(@)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for your interest and support. Together, we have done good work.
Best,
-Jackson Emmer-
Director/Founder of Free Is Art
10/03/2012
*$30/hr was the minumum approximate cost of running Free Is Art. Our ideal average (and maximum) cost was $38.75/hr.
It is with mixed-emotion that I announce the indefinite hiatus of the Free Is Art project. There are many reasons for this decision, but as with most new businesses, financial struggle is the main cause of our suspension.
Our first year of programs was funded by over $15,000 of donations from individuals and foundations. That sum paid for over 500 hours of music instruction, art classes, administrative work, rent and advertising. We delivered a remarkable program for only $30 an hour*- an incredible and (unfortunately) unsustainable feat.
Offering access to meaningful learning opportunities is deeply important to me. Free Is Art approached this idea from a musical and artistic angle, and I feel we have done the best we could with our available resources. I have invested a significant amount of personal time and money towards Free Is Art. While it saddens me to see the project stall, our current business model is not working. I have many ideas for improving the organization, but ideas take time to implement and I am simply out of free time.
There is good news, though. I am planning visits to renowned free music programs in Chicago and Philadelphia in hopes of learning more about how they sustain their work. I am studying with master teacher George Weber, in Carbondale, CO (right now) and am learning a lot about how to deliver exceptional arts programing. Also in the works is a "Freesource" pamphlet for Windham County residents. Inspired by "Windham In Your Wallet" we are working to compile a directory of music/art resources in the area, with simple tips on how to access and maintain relationships with artists, musicians, teachers and mentors on the local level- especially if you come from a low-income background.
This project is not dead, but it is in deep hibernation. Extremely generous donors, "angels," could swoop in and save the day. I would welcome it, but am not holding my breath. If you'd like to discuss this decision, announcement, or anything else please feel free to email me at: freeisart.windham(@)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for your interest and support. Together, we have done good work.
Best,
-Jackson Emmer-
Director/Founder of Free Is Art
10/03/2012
*$30/hr was the minumum approximate cost of running Free Is Art. Our ideal average (and maximum) cost was $38.75/hr.
