Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition

Artists leaders and artist-run groups addressing policy issues that affect artists in Massachusetts

Free Public Forum, Nov. 19: How Can We Make a Living in Boston Again?

Free Public Forum: THE CRISIS IN THE CREATIVE PROFESSIONS: How Can We Make a Living in Boston Again?

7 to 9pm
Community Church of Boston
565 Boylston St, 2nd floor
Boston MA 02116
MapQuest directions

Event details:
https://www.facebook.com/events/745821115562185/

Visual artists, musicians, dancers, journalists/writers, actors, filmmakers, designers and other creative professionals are having an increasingly difficult time making a living in the Boston area.

People spend years getting the necessary professional training only to be buried in mountains of student debt as the sticker prices for higher education rise swiftly. Meanwhile, steady work for decent pay seems to be a thing of the past for many while society expects us to give our work away for free. Housing, food, medical and transportation costs are spiralling upwards and cheap studio, rehearsal and performance spaces have become as scarce as unicorns.

This public forum will take a look at the crisis facing the creative professions in the Boston area and beyond.

[note color=”#f6c059″]If you’re a creative worker and you’re concerned about your ability to continue working in your chosen profession, plan to attend … and spread the word![/note]

Speakers will include panelists representing some of the affected fields and respondents from advocacy organizations working to improve the situation.

Confirmed creative worker panelists:

  • Akrobatik (musician)
  • Loreto Paz Ansaldo (performance artist and producer)
  • Chrislene DeJean (multimedia artist)
  • Emily Hopkins (journalist)
  • Pampi (multimedia performance artist and poet)
  • Gabriela Silva (dancer)

Confirmed respondents:

  • Kathleen Bitetti, Mass. Artists Leaders Coalition
  • Patrick Hollenbeck, Boston Musicians’ Association
  • Danielle McLean, Society of Professional Journalists – New England Chapter
  • MC: Jason Pramas, Boston Institute for Nonprofit Journalism
  • Data/Background: Prof. Matt Kaliner, Sociology Department, Harvard University

(We await confirmation from one more respondent.)

The event is FREE and open to the public.

Hosted by the Boston Institute for Nonprofit Journalism.

Co-sponsored by Getting by in Boston, Mass Creative Workers and Community Church of Boston.