The Artist As Patron

Philanthropy and The Arts

Its long been known that artists are the greatest of Philanthropists for in the course of their professional careers...they are most "often" asked to donate an original painting to a variety of "causes."

In order to build the wing of the new Children's Hospital, to underwrite the need for pure water in 3rd World Countries, to fund the "Arts Umbrella," a local school or group that offers arts programs to kids...and a variety of other topics and programs.

And the artist "delivers..."

They, on the verge of a decision of whether to "eat" or to buy new art supplies, they consistently find a way to purchase the materials to create that new painting, and secure the canvas, the paint, get it framed and thus, deliver the original works to the Event. The image is donated to the organization which is then "auctioned" to its patrons.

Often the image goes off the chopping block at a significantly reduced price than what is should sell for. All of this is good and fine and noble...yet the artist rarely benefits from a "future" sale because they have donated to the cause. They may in fact only receive entry into the event, as be given an evening of entertainment and perhaps "dinner" for having participated in the Fundraiser.

All of this is "good" ~ However, doesn't one wonder how on earth the artist continues to exist, to feed oneself, and how, particularly, the artist continues to muster the courage to paint, create and give their art to a variety of options that may or may not pay them for their time.

It is only within the culture of the United States, that few seem to rise to the top of the industry, and garner the feature of acclaimed and wealthy patrons...thus creating a sustained income.

So over the years, it has been my "job" to find ways that the artist can continue to exist, can adapt their work to a variety of options, either in "print" art or in the continued acquisition and sale of original works.

And I always find a way ~ Always ~ and then of course, it is a decision whether the artist chooses to participate in the method of distribution....so its a catch - 22 for the artist and for the promoter.

Both take significant risks in regard to representation of the collections, the artist and must trust the artist's capacity to deliver. Sometimes there is an explosion, if you will, an inability to "come" to a meeting of minds....and both suffer losses....

The artist, for an unwillingness to "go" where the work is being called, and the broker in an inability to find a niche market best suited for the work, to which the artist will agree.

I have encountered both situations, as artist and as Representative and Agent.

The mutual participation requires an Act of Faith that is no less than I'm sure what is called upon from most devotees of a particular "religion" ~ There requires intrinsic faith, in both parties....and the process takes time. There are NO quick fixes in this industry....

With that I have thought long and hard, worked both as Agent, Gallery Owner, Representative, Liason...and ultimately "artist" and can come to the table with a significantly "broadened" perspective on the topic.

I have reached the following conclusion. The "artist's" abiluty to "intuit" how not only to create the original work and paint it is also the force that must be utilized by the Agent to maximize potential and placement in the Arts....as a remunerative "business." And there needs to be a "trust" placed in the Agent's hands to find the best situation for this to occur.

This takes time...and in my experience can happen quickly if the artist gives the Agent "reign" to place the works.....it takes longer in regard to planning and developing a long term strategy for the works and their placement.

Being at the whim of galleries is "risky" but it is equally "risky' to be at the whim of the artist ~ Both can suffer, but I prefer to design how "both" can win.

Add the mix of a very unstable enconomy and its a recipe for "Perfection" in a very different method of presentation...or could spell disaster for most.

There are two positive things that are occurring now...as we come full circle operating in an economy that has 'broken" many or severely "humbled" others. One must find a new way....and we have...

I would invite you to participate in a new program created by Sian Design, fostered and supported by Fett Marketing and its CEO, Chris Kauza. For nearly two years we have put our heads together over this one.....and by adopting the "tool" of Social Media and technology we have sincerely re-invented the way in which artists can and will be supported in these very trying times.

Please take a look at our link

ART ABILITY WORLD
http://www.artabilityworld.com

And we are asking you, the artist to give yourself the "gift" of promotion through Social Media with our methods.

We have, over the last year and a half run 6 successful campaigns that have brought success to a variety to projects, some non profit fundraising, others retail sales and all within the realm of using the art in a way to tell both ITS story and the story of the artist.

By participating you will benefit in a variety of ways.

And the cost to you the artist for the term of one year is only $8.88

Yes you heard me $8.88 (eight dollars and eighty eight cents.)

Its an incredible opportunity to build your visibility, through Social Media, and to garner potential placement in events, exhibitions and projects that we are working on.....and at this time it is the initial way that I can ask you to invest in yourself.

Again, review this link http://www.artabilityworld.com
And this link in particular to join us

http://artabilityworld.com/shanghai-world-expo-2010/


For it is through the methods that we are using that we have secured Exhibition opportunities for artists at Shanghai World Expo ~ and this is the initial requirement for consideration....

I welcome your participation and I look forward to being able to further your success in the Fine Arts Industries...which is inclusive of Music, Performance, Dance, Sculpting, Painting, Photography ~ There are no limits on my thinking, and there are no limits to finding a way.....to succeed.

Its been my complete commitment for over 30 years. And on both sides of the coin, Artist and Agent ~ we have always found a "way"

Thank you
Sian Lindemann
Executive Director
http://www.SianDesign.com

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