We’ve all felt it: the burnout in the arts communities is real. We continue to fight for livable wages, comprehensive healthcare, and equity across all identities. Yet, we still struggle to make art while trying to get the bills paid. How can we challenge these existing structures while continuing to create and advocate for arts?
Many groups and communities have dedicated themselves in order to fight back against capitalism’s effects on art for years. Some artist-activists advocate for new ways to approach our work, including finding ways to disrupt hierarchical structures based in capitalism. Others encourage the creation of a culture of rest, because advocating to respect our need for rest is revolutionary. We can all find ways to resist capitalism’s effects on our artistic practices.
This year we implemented our official Disconnect Policy. As an organization made up of artists and activists, we dedicate ourselves to fighting back against the capitalization of art. Starting in 2022, Benvenuti Arts employees are encouraged to take a full week of vacation—a “Disconnect Week”—each year. Employees and contractors who refrain from work for the entirety of that week (not checking email, Slack, etc.) are awarded a $100 bonus. We encourage you to explore incentives such as this one in your own workplaces and projects!
This month, we’re excited to be chatting with Liz Dreyer, Independent Consultant and Lead Facilitator for DEI Arts Consulting and EmcArts, for our July BA Conversation! We’ll be talking about RACI, a decision-making tool, which stands for “responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed.” You can RSVP on Eventbrite today! If you’re in need of financial assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Alicia (alicia@benvenutiarts.com) to learn more about full discounts we offer.
Resources
- The Nap Ministry – “The Nap Ministry was founded in 2016 by Tricia Hersey and is an organization that examines the liberating power of naps. Our “REST IS RESISTANCE” framework and practice engages with the power of performance art, site-specific installations, and community organizing to install sacred and safe spaces for the community to rest together. We facilitate immersive workshops and curate performance art that examines rest as a radical tool for community healing. We believe rest is a form of resistance and name sleep deprivation as a racial and social justice issue.”
- Howlround Theatre Commons – “HowlRound is a free and open platform for theatremakers worldwide that amplifies progressive, disruptive ideas about the art form and facilitates connection between diverse practitioners.”
- Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds by adrienne maree brown
- A recommendation from Adriana, How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell
