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YouTubeCleveland and Detroit are recruiting artists as New York gets more expensive. Something Columbus ought to be doing?
Columbus Underground Messageboard » General Columbus Discussion
Should Columbus be recruiting artists?
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littlefishy
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No.
Posted 1 year ago # -
ChrisSunami
King-Lincoln District
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Maybe it's just the circles I run in, but it seems to me that Columbus has an abundance of wonderful artists.
What we have a shortage of is appreciative audience. Not sure you can recruit for that, but maybe we could all do more in the way of audience education.
Posted 1 year ago # -
rory
NW Short North
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JonMyers wrote >>
Chris, I agree a big part of the problem is the audience, but the artists themselves have issues building that bridge to the audience.Depends on the audience. Sometimes it's easier to go to another city for your audience than try twist someone's arm here. And vice-versa. It's that artists work that builds the bridge and if you're not connecting you're doing the wrong thing or showing the wrong people. I think that's the part an artist has to work out themselves.
Posted 1 year ago # -
jeff_r
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I don't think it's an either/or proposition. While artists are certainly responsible for creating and marketing their work, it's much easier to do that in a community that provides the necessary support structure. That support includes plenty of spaces to exhibit, lots of networking opportunities (to bring artists and patrons together), and a real appreciation for the value of original artwork (i.e. people who value art enough to pay cash money for it and encourage others to do the same).
As to whether or not we should be actively recruiting artists, I can certainly see the value. Artists coming from outside Columbus would add new voices and new ideas. They would likely raise the competitive bar as well. It was pointed out in another thread that we're competing in a global art market now. What we create has to match the best of the best.
That said, I think there's a lot we can do with the people who are here now. How can we keep OSU and CCAD grads here? How can we help them make world-class art? Similarly, there's something like 100,000 international residents living in Central Ohio. How can we engage artists from those communities and take advantage of their contributions? How can we break down the lingering distinctions between design, crafts, and fine arts so that all are represented equally?
Granted, that's all big picture stuff, and I certainly don't have the answers. I do think they're things that will need to be addressed if we're talking about putting Columbus on the artistic map; because aren't we always talking about putting Columbus on the artistic map? :)
Posted 1 year ago # -
geedeck
Witalian Willage
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Maybe?
I'm not saying they shouldn't, just not sure what the city can do. For the most part, artists just need a workspace and for people to gtfo of their way. Maybe a city-subsidized studio? But that obviously would have some issues/complexities in itself. Maybe a tax credit for equipment/supply purchases? An advocacy organization?
The problem is that almost any idea of support is so wide open for abuse, so how do you handle hypothetical graft of the resources?
Posted 1 year ago # -
10sun
Columbus, OH
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The concept of making a world class art complex is something that has lingered in the back of my head since I realized how unique my childhood experiences were.
I grew up in Woodstock, NY frequently visiting the Byrdcliffe Colony and being part of a collective group of children of artists; Byrdcliffe is a world renown art commune that has tremendous draw & provides support for emerging artists of varied disciplines & training. However it is so much more than that as it forms a cohesive community that has reached the critical mass in which it can support itself as a non-profit.
You see facsimiles in Central Ohio, right now Junctionview being the closest to a private arts complex and others such as Sherman's project & Wonderland coming in soon as large scale studio spaces. However, something that is lost on many is that you cannot simply dive in and say we want to make cheap studio space that anybody can afford.
There are some problems to just making cheap studios.
1. You attract cheap tenants; not to denigrate anyone, but that can hamper the draw for other elements... not everybody wants to work in a space where there is drinking going on frequently and regularly, nor will you be able to provide for the next problem.2. No provision for continuing education/instructional space. We can't create as stagnant creatures and with the funding cuts to the arts happening in public schools, how will you bridge the gap between finger painting and fine art?
3. Not everybody paints; some mediums require setups that require a greater investment of capital and economies of scale play a large part in the feasibility of other mediums.
4. Nothing unique to draw artists from outside the region, let alone collectors & patrons aside from those feeling compelled simply by civic duty.
Bridge the gaps between our festivals with more art.
My favorite suggestion I've heard from anybody:
Have an event over the course of several weekends focused around an anagama kiln firing. There will be a draw for that. Finding a place for it and pulling the permits will be difficult, but I can guarantee that people will come from around the country for it.Don't fight and don't ruin it.
Posted 1 year ago # -
ChrisSunami
King-Lincoln District
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Something I noted when I read the original article. It's not actually saying that Cleveland is "recruiting" New York artists --it's that the things Cleveland is developing for its local artists are attracting artists who have been priced out of New York.
I'm all in favor of something like 10sun is advocating. My wife --artist April Sunami --and I have dreamed for years of starting a live/work complex for artists along the lines of Milo. But I don't think it needs to be classified under the quote "recruitment" of New York artists. I just don't like the seeming implication that New York's overflow somehow represents a higher or more desirable caliber of artist than our homegrown geniuses.
BTW, I already know more than one New York artist who moved to Columbus for lower expenses and/or a better environment. Talle Bamazi of Kiaca is one. City Mouse was another, although ironically he was forced to return to New York when he was unable to make a living here.
Posted 1 year ago # -
SusanB
Hungarian Village, Columbus' fastest growing Gayborhood!
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Back in the 80s I was an artist who came here from NY for grad school and had every intention of leaving to go back to NYC or SF or LA when I was done. I stayed because of:
1. Generous arts grants from the OAC and GCAC
2. Cheap, cheap rents
3. Lots of freelance work here
4. The OAC had residency programs that sent me elsewhere for short periods (Headlands, Banff) to help me get my work out.
5. The OAC AIE program (Artists In Schools)Posted 1 year ago # -
joev
Merion Village
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Personally, I think we should be focusing on recruiting companies to locate here. The arts are part of the quality of life portion of that equasion, but I think it makes most sense to look at Columbus' competitive advantages (clothing retailers, insurance, marketing, etc.,) to combine that with concentrated pools of talent, whether experienced or just out of one of our fine higher ed institutions, and to figure out what industries are on the periphery of those advantages, and recruit them.
EVERY city is competing for artists (and young professionals, and gays,) who are also said to magically cure cities by their very presence.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Tenzo
Chicago Lakeshore
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joev wrote >>
Personally, I think we should be focusing on recruiting companies to locate here. The arts are part of the quality of life portion of that equasion, but I think it makes most sense to look at Columbus' competitive advantages (clothing retailers, insurance, marketing, etc.,) to combine that with concentrated pools of talent, whether experienced or just out of one of our fine higher ed institutions, and to figure out what industries are on the periphery of those advantages, and recruit them.
EVERY city is competing for artists (and young professionals, and gays,) who are also said to magically cure cities by their very presence.+1
This goes to the above point is what we need are audiances.
And if Timmy can't pay his rent or food bill, he's not going to the symphony.I'm sorry, but art comes after food clothing and shelter. It's something people enjoy with disposable income and time. The most creative time in history required sponsors for even the most talented artists.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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ChrisSunami wrote >>
What we have a shortage of is appreciative audience. Not sure you can recruit for that, but maybe we could all do more in the way of audience education.I was under the impression that all artists (and musicians, etc) in every city are never fully appreciated in their own city and only have a shot at success in other cities with greener pastures. ;)
Posted 1 year ago # -
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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joev wrote >>
EVERY city is competing for artists (and young professionals, and gays,) who are also said to magically cure cities by their very presence.I've seen a lot of cities competing for YPs (ours included) but haven't seen a whole lot in the way of proactively seeking artists or gays.
I'd love to see the resources we're allocating for luring YPs turned into something that tangibly focuses on attracting more artists, creative and entrepreneurs:
http://www.walkerevanseffect.com/blog/ignore-the-yps-focus-on-the-aces/
Posted 1 year ago # -
jmak
Gahanna
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Walker wrote >>
ChrisSunami wrote >>
What we have a shortage of is appreciative audience. Not sure you can recruit for that, but maybe we could all do more in the way of audience education.I was under the impression that all artists (and musicians, etc) in every city are never fully appreciated in their own city and only have a shot at success in other cities with greener pastures. ;)
I guess we here at Shadowbox are just lucky. ;)
And I don't believe in "audience education." I believe in "If you build it, they will come. ... And if they like it, they will come back. And if they REALLY like it, they'll tell their friends."
Posted 1 year ago # -
rory
NW Short North
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Walker wrote >>
joev wrote >>
EVERY city is competing for artists (and young professionals, and gays,) who are also said to magically cure cities by their very presence.I've seen a lot of cities competing for YPs (ours included) but haven't seen a whole lot in the way of proactively seeking artists or gays.
I'd love to see the resources we're allocating for luring YPs turned into something that tangibly focuses on attracting more artists, creative and entrepreneurs:
http://www.walkerevanseffect.com/blog/ignore-the-yps-focus-on-the-aces/This is pretty much what I'm thinking about. And it doesn't have to be tied to a giant infrastructure/space initiative. Although it could be :) So I'm going to volunteer my neighborhood. Eighty houses can or are about to be built or renovated in Weinland Park. We've had a lot of discussion about who will move there and displacement. Since the WP is around 20% vacant displacement isn't really an issue as far as I'm concerned. So why not advertise a neighborhood for artists that admittedly is rough for a lot of people but is centrally located, cheap, will have a farmer's market someday etc. And maybe artists would fit the bill because God knows nobody from Powell is moving there anytime soon. All we need is a little advertising. ;)
And I heard a rumor that there's going to be a giant artist space down the street named Wonderland.
Then let the ACE's attract the YP's to Columbus.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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rory wrote >>
Eighty houses can or are about to be built or renovated in Weinland Park. We've had a lot of discussion about who will move there and displacement. Since the WP is around 20% vacant displacement isn't really an issue as far as I'm concerned. So why not advertise a neighborhood for artists that admittedly is rough for a lot of people but is centrally located, cheap, will have a farmer's market someday etc. And maybe artists would fit the bill because God knows nobody from Powell is moving there anytime soon. All we need is a little advertising. ;)There's even already a model out there for this that has been successful:
http://www.paducahalliance.org/artist_relocation_program.php
Copy, Paste in Columbus.
rory wrote >>
Then let the ACE's attract the YP's to Columbus.They'll attract young, old, gay, straight, black, white and everyone else. Everyone wants an interesting city to live in. We either need to attract more interesting people in addition to supporting the ones we already have here.
That or start cloning Jeni & Liz & everyone else. ;)
Posted 1 year ago # -
Rayann
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Not going to happen. Attracting artists isn't a marketing maneuver, it's space. Abundant raw space attracts artists. Junctionview is great for painting pretty pictures or funny cartoons to hang above your mothers couch but if you want to make impact, you need space. Junctionview is 6-7 dollars a square foot (50-60 cents a sq.ft per month). That's higher than local commercial rates.
Cleveland and Detroit are the new art meccas! Tons and tons of empty abandoned huge huge huge warehouses and factories as well as countless smaller industrial bldgs. Take in a generator and you can squat!
In the past 25 years Columbus has torn down the factories of Jeffry Mining, Timken, Jaeger, Union Fork and Hoe, National Coated Fabrics, Lennox, Delphi, .....
Attract hell, it's time to leave!
Posted 1 year ago #
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