How can businesses help?
Looking beyond traditional means of support could lead us for instance towards business mentorships or pro-rata skills-sharing.
Time is a precious resource for artists, with many working second jobs, so having access to someone’s expertise – be it legal, financial, administrative – could be game-changing. Princess referred to the “dark art of bid writing” – an offputtingly challenging and highly technical application process for which she was supported by Young Identity, while Greg spoke of filing taxes – a chronic headache for freelancers made easier by accountancy workshops set up at Islington Mill. These are just two examples of how private sector support or counsel can make a meaningful difference. As a particularly well-connected segment of society, the private sector could also contribute by networking creative professionals with their contacts or by brokering introductions – especially since, as Princess pointed out, “so much about being an artist is about luck in the first place.” It’s a lottery knowing where to go or who to follow on socials, which circles to move in, or where the up-and-coming opportunities and grants are. Often, it just takes meeting one key individual to change all of that. Chris, who sits as a Board member at Quarantine theatre, testified to this, sharing how the trustees each bring their varied experiences, backgrounds and subject matter specialisms to their role and as a result, can provide artists with a wealth of practical support.
Not My Business?
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator