CROWDFUNDING FOR ARTISTS: A WORKSHOP
DESCRIPTION
This is a comprehensive workshop on crowdfunding for artists. Participants will learn how time-based crowdfunding campaigns can be used as a powerful tool to build financial sustainability. Through a multimedia presentation and interactive exercises, the workshop covers the history of crowdfunding, the factors most important to a successful campaign, common misconceptions about time-based crowdfunding campaigns, qualities of an effective ask, and the mechanics of community building. Artists will leave knowing how embark upon the process of creating a successful crowdfunding project.
DETAILS
Workshop specifications include:
- Size: Space-dependent, minimum 5 artists
- Needs: Projector with HDMI hookup, sound system, adequate seating
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible spaces required. Interpreter provided by venue if deaf students will be in attendance.
- Cost: To be discussed with organizing partners
OUTCOMES
Participating artists will learn:
- A brief historical overview of arts patronage and modern-day crowdfunding
- The most important elements of successful time-based campaigns
- Common misconceptions about crowdfunding for the arts
- Qualities of an effective ask and corresponding online calls-to-action
- How to complete web presence and community assessments for the purposes of time-based campaigns
- The relationship between a community assessment and campaign goal-setting
- How crowdfunding can be utilized as a powerful component in an artist’s strategy for long-term financial sustainability
MATERIALS
Artists will receive:
- Homework assignments designed to supplement workshop lessons
- Additional templates for assessing their web presence and community
TESTIMONIALS
"The thought of raising $20,000 for our art felt like attempting to climb Mount Everest without an oxygen mask. The Void Academy helped us locate masks and get up that mountain." — Abraham B.
“I loved how information-packed it was! I learned so much. Also, your generosity and thoughtfulness as facilitators definitely helped the experience.” — Tsedaye M.
“What I liked best about the workshop was how you explained through history and examples how crowdfunding could work for artists. You made [crowdfunding] seem like a viable option.” — Jodi F.
"I learned that crowdfunding and web presence are valuable tools... [and] that maintaining a healthy web presence and running crowdfunding campaigns are valuable opportunities to learn from and connect with audiences." — Bob D.
INSTRUCTOR
Siena Oristaglio is an artist, educator, and communications specialist. Her work before founding The Void Academy focused on educational initiatives at the intersection of art and social justice. She has ten years of experience in digital communications and has led international campaigns with coverage in outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Huffington Post. As Director of Communications for Marina Abramovic Institute, she ran the non-profit’s successful 2013 Kickstarter campaign, raising over $660,000 in 30 days.
ABOUT US
The Void Academy teaches artists how to a make a sustainable living using online tools and community-oriented business models. We believe that artists and arts participation benefit from an ecosystem in which there is a direct exchange between artist and socioeconomically diverse audiences. Over the last four years, we have helped artists raise a total of 1.5 million dollars (and counting) towards their crowdfunding projects.
BOOK NOW
Email us using the form below with the subject line "Workshop Request." Please include the name of the organization you are affiliated with or the community you are a part of who you think will benefit from this workshop. We look forward to hearing from you!