Joining a Board the Right Thing For You?

Pros Arts Studio's 6th Annual youth-produced We Are Hip-Hop Festival takes place Aug. 13 at Dvorak Park in Pilsen 

This past weekend, I was thrilled to have been accepted into the board of Pros Arts Studios, a wonderful, Pilsen-based, non-profit, offering arts programs and events for Chicago youth and the community. It’s the first board that I will be a part of.

I also was glad to hear that writer/visual artist Emmanuel Garcia also was invited to be a board member. It’s inspiring to see the new generation of arts leaders becoming involved in the development of our established arts institutions. If you are not already on a board, and are an artist or supporter of the arts, I hope you'll consider it.

Why join a board? Well, I made the commitment for three reasons: I was eager to support an organization whose mission and work was truly in line with my personal values; I wanted to become more aware of the financial and strategic planning that goes into running an organization; and to reiterate my previous paragraph, I feel more folks of my generation should be involved in the development of our organizations.

In these tough economic times, our art centers and organizations are counting on its most ardent supporters more than ever. Regardless of our feelings on the non-profit industrial complex, the framework of the non-profit isn’t going anywhere soon. New strategies and innovations brought forth from a new generation, though, would surely help strengthen organizations and better prepare them for the future. 

The amazing Jan Masaoka, editor of the non-profit blog Blue Avocado, wrote a great piece on why and what you should look into in regards to joining a board. I like her emphasis on getting from the experience as much as you are giving in, and to consider it a step towards future leadership. For those of you already on boards, their archives are also a great resource. Some of my faves of Jan’s points:

Questions to ask yourself:

- Is this the right cause for me? Think first about the cause or issue, rather than about a particular organization. Are end-of-life issues important to you? Are you furious about tax policies and want to change them? Do you feel that the history of your Armenian community is being lost?

- What do I want to learn, accomplish, or gain from board service? You might want to seek out an organization where you can involve your young children in volunteer work. Or you might want to re-connect with your ethnic community, or get to be backstage helping on a stage production. Don't be embarrassed about what you want to gain: these "benefits" are part of what will keep you committed, including building skills and experience in communications, finance, or group leadership.

- What do I need to make certain I do while on the board? ….If you don't have a finance background but want to learn, ask to be on the finance committee. If one of your reasons for joining was to meet new people, be sure you volunteer for the annual luncheon or staff a table at the street fair. In short: don't volunteer at the pool without ever jumping into the water.

Finding a board to join

- Ask your friends and fellow board members. Instead of waiting for them to ask you, ask them: "Are you on any nonprofit boards? Tell me about them."

- Ask about board opportunities where you already volunteer.

- Post your availability on your Facebook page.

...Take the small amount of time needed to guide your community career as you have your work career. Invest your time and your heart in meaningful work.

Another article from Board Source looks at questions you should ask once you choose the right organization.

You ready? The Young Non-Profit Professionals network recently announced they are looking for new board members. Here is the link, applications are due by August 5. 

And if you have any other links or insight in helping me on my new journey with Pros Arts, please drop me a line!

c/s

A Long-awaited Links and Resources update....

To my thousands of loyal, eager readers, I apologize for the rather long gap between this and my last post. It’s been a learning, perhaps humbling, experience on the consistency needed by bloggers (and any other writer) to hold themselves to consistently write and maintain a blog. I will hold myself accountable to more consistent posts, although as a fabulous Chicago summer approaches, it’ll be tough….

Rather than a long article, I wanted to pass on a list of interesting articles, information and resources that have come my way and that I would like to pass on.

The recently held One State Illinois Arts Conference did a great deed for those of us unfortunate to miss it: all the speaker presentations from the conference are now available to view online. Have only had a chance to view a couple of the videos (the Albany Park Theater Project is interesting), but looking at the bios of the speakers gives you a bit of an idea of what videos might pertain or interest you……Another interesting conference coming up is the Allied Media Conference, which aims to share tools and tactics for transforming communities through media-based organizing; it will take place June 23-26 in Detroit....... For those of you on facebook, please consider joining the Emerging Leaders Network of Chicago group, which regularly posts some great articles that are relevant to emerging artists and administrators, even job listings. They recently posted this great article about taking risks that, although placed in the context of museum leadership, can be applied to your career as an artist, gallery-owner, or community organizer.…..the University of Chicago is running a series of discussions on the future of the city; the one held recently was on the arts and the future of Chicago; a simple to read, yet comprehensive summary of the discussion is here; I love how it brought together (and clearly explained their connectedness) a diverse network of people- economists, policy analysts, and artists together- and discussed making accessible cultural assets/resources to all members of the community…….in a previous post I mentioned the National Museum of Mexican Arts’ Crescendo Cultural, a gathering of emerging Latino arts leaders that they will be hosting July 15-16. They recently released the list of people who will be gathering in the windy city; among the participants will be Chicago’s own Tanya Saracho. I urge you to view their impressive bios, consider contacting them, inviting them to your performance or opening, letting them know of events that will take place during their time here, or simply inviting them for dinner or a drink. I’m sure they would appreciate the welcoming, and would be a great way to expand your network. I will check in with the museum about any public mixers they might have that we can attend.

c/s

Tips on networking

There aren’t many things that make me as uncomfortable as having to go and network. As a self-proclaimed introvert, the ‘networking’ portion of an event usually is the part I just missed or can’t stick around for. But thanks to many classes, workshops, and more importantly, just going out and doing it, I can network with the best of ‘em (on a good day).

Artists can also be shy, lonely creatures in person, and when one hasn’t been trained as to why and how they should network, their ability to or interest in it can diminish.

There are at least two reasons why I believe we, as artists or arts administrators of color, need to make the effort to expand our network through attending events with the goal of doing so.

One, it is a great way to build your career. Meeting new people can yield sales of your work, business resources and partnerships, grant or funding opportunities, and artistic inspiration. If you are trying to generate visits to your website, trying to build your email list for promoting your next exhibit/event, or simply finding out how to use an email list, a conference or networking event can be a great opportunity to do so.

Two, having a visible presence at events affirms our presence among the larger arts community and is a platform for our voices to be heard. We shouldn’t be content with just showing our work to the same people, or sharing our experiences only within our communities.

I stumbled upon this helpful article from the New York Times that provides tips for those of us who cringe at the thought of networking.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/23/business/smallbusiness/23toolkit.html

I can appreciate the writer’s advice to have an objective before going to an event where you will be networking; is your goal to add five people to your mailing list? To meet the rep. from the local arts space you are looking to show or perform at? At conferences, I like to review and highlight the attendee list of people attending that I would like to meet, and then do the best I can to meet them. I also can appreciate the advice to not try to be someone you aren’t. 

Below, are a number of events you can use as opportunities to practice, practice, practice, and benefit from. I found out about these were all passed on to me thanks to the magic of networking.

Chicago Foundation for Women: Board Boot Camp- Training for Women interested in joining nonprofit boards- June 8-10-  Link 

National Latino Writers Conference- May 18-21 in Albuquerque, NM- A great article on why you should attend the conference by Proyecto Latina-  Link

NALAC Leadership Institute- July 11-16 in San Antonio, TX- The deadline to apply has been extended to Wednesday, April 27. - Link

Illinois Arts Council's One State Together in the Arts Conference- May 23-24 in Bloomington-Normal, IL- Great opportunity to meet artists and arts organizations from all over Illinois- Link

The Arts and Culture In Action- April 27, at the Goodman Theatre in downtown Chicago- Take part in a discussion that will feature National Endowment of the Arts Chairman Rocco Landesman. - Link

2011 Making Media Connections Conference- June 8-9, at Columbia College Chicago Film- Learn how to reach out to the media, manage a website, and use social networking towards your career- Link

Funding available for Illinois artists/orgs accepted to NALAC Leadership Institute

In my last post, I mentioned I would be searching for opportunities to subsidize the cost of the NALAC Leadership Institute. I have some good news!

The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) will have funds available to offer partial support for eligible Illinois applicants who are accepted to attend the week-long Institute in San Antonio this summer.

Applicants can be not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Illinois or an individual at least 18 years old and a legal resident of Illinois for at least twelve months prior to applying.  Given the state’s financial troubles, you should expect the IAC to reimburse you for the costs, rather than pay you in advance of the training.

Nonetheless, this support makes the training very affordable for an individual or small organization, and further compounds the rationale for having an Illinois representative this year.

Props to Eliud Hernandez, Deputy Director at the Illinois Arts Council who helped make this happen. Feel free to contact him for more information on this funding or any other questions on IAC support.

It is my goal to get as many people from Illinois to apply. I know some have expressed doubt as to whether this training can help an independent artist, or is only meant to those who work for an arts organization. I contacted my fellow 2007 alumni for their rebuttal of this type of thinking, and here is what they said:

  

Gerardo Quetzatl Garcia: “I've survived as an independent tattoo artist for almost 3 years..Many of the ways I've kept myself and my wife going are directly related to the connections I made as a result of the leadership Institute. Through the Institute , I was introduced to an entire community of like-minded artists who's positivity and support have been an immense help over the past few years. I've shown work in California, made new friends in San Francisco, and made some decent money the whole way by tattooing any and every potential client I've met. My wife Cardee and I are actually heading to San Diego this month for Chicano Park day, where we'll share a vending booth selling t-shirts and books of our artwork, not to mention tattooing all the clients that have been waiting since our last visit in Aug, 2010.”

Celeste De Luna: “I can tell you that the Institute was beneficial for me as an artist because I learned about taking my own work more seriously and being professional. What you learn from the Leadership Institute is how to manage not just the creative side of art, but the business side as well. NALaC can give you models to follow, with buena gente you can relate to.”

Lizbeth Ortiz: "I can say that NALAC helped me view the bigger picture of the art scene, not only point A where I stand but the universal bird's eye view of the community."

Do it: Apply Here. Deadline is Friday, April 15

P.S.: If question #2 in section B of the application troubles you,  describe your artistic career as your 'organization'. Are you part of a collective? Run an art gallery? Produce shows? That is your 'organization' as well, and you do admin work when you apply for grants, do outreach and handle all the tasks of producing a show. 

NALAC Leadership Institute- an alumni's experience and plea for YOU to apply

2007 Nalaqueros por vida

I'd like to urge everyone to become aware of and apply for the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture’s (NALAC) upcoming Leadership Institute, taking place this July in San Antonio, Tejas. The deadline to apply is April 15.

For 20+ years, NALAC has been dedicated to the promotion, advancement, development, and cultivation of the Latino arts field. Based in San Anto, NALAC’s core work are grants for artists, regional training workshops, a national conference (last held 2010 in sanjo), outreach/communications, and their annual Leadership Institute.

For seven wonderful years I was part of the Teatro Visión team out in my hometown of San José, California. As one of the most chingon teatros in the country, Teatro Visión has shown a commitment to helping the next generation of leaders grow and hone their craft, whether it be on the stage, behind the desk, or out in the community. Through them, I was able to be part of the 2007 Leadership Institute, joining the now four Teatro Visión alumni of the week-long training.

Aside from gaining a better understanding of administrative basics like grant writing, budgeting, and strategic planning, the most important thing I took away was viewing my work in a broader context. How crucial it was for me to make connections with artists and individuals beyond my sphere and across the country, both for collaborations, sharing of resources, and advocacy. With ever decreasing resources for artists, even less for artists of color, banding together to support our work is the only way to survive and grow stronger as a community.

In a safe, comfortable space we shared our work, ideas, gripes, successes, and goals, and developed lasting relationships which I know have led to exhibitions, performances, collaborations, positive energy, and couches to crash on across the country. I also appreciated that the workshops benefited both artists and arts administrators; it went a long way in making me feel comfortable amongst the arts community without having any artistic talent. 

Some of the presenters included legends and respected individuals of the arts field, like the eloquent Dr. Maribel Alvarez (whom I developed an academic crush on), Dr. Tomas Ybarra Frausto, and Jesse Borrego. And you can’t help but fall in love with the city of San Anto and their motley crew of artistas, musicos, lovers, fighters, and dramaticos (not mutually exclusive descriptions), who seem to gravitate towards the participants and are wonderful hosts to the city they are so proud of.

As our veterano artists pass on the torch of leadership to the new generation, it is our responsibility to carry on their legacy, while strengthening the foundation of the Latino arts community for those to come. In the 11 years and nearly 200 alumni of the institute, only four Chicagoans have ever taken it. Obviously there are many ways to grow your network and your leadership skills and many of you are already leaps and bounds ahead, but joining the NALAC family is an opportunity not to pass up. As for funding to pay for travel and housing costs (NALAC does pay for ½ of travel, housing and provides breakfast and lunches), an idea would be a fundraiser, or local professional development grants, which I will research on as well… Details and apply here, the deadline is April 15. 

Still not motivated? Here is a great video, and testimonials...

Creative Chicago Survey- Deadline This Friday, February 25

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs is conducting a survey of a all artists living in Chicago, with the deadline to submit a week away.

I’m not going to try to paraphrase what is already well written from them:

Sponsored by The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), all creative practitioners who live and work in Chicago are asked to take it to describe who they are and what they need to thrive, including specific space and business assistance information. This information will help the City determine policies and programs to support the Creative Sector, and be shared with interested organizations, research and advocacy efforts. The Creative Chicago Survey is unique because it invites the creative community to opt-in and define itself, rather than working from a pre-determined list. To have the greatest impact, our goal is to hear from all creative people who live and/or work in Chicago.

The last line is the most important. For ‘creatives’ of color and our perspective to be represented, we must participate. I completed it yesterday; it is a well-rounded survey that doesn’t take too long to complete.

Who is a creative? Again, from their words:


Every person who engages in a creative practice as their job 
or their hobby is considered "a creative".... Professional or amateur artists, musicians, dancers and designers, crafters and cooks, your grandmother who quilts, your neighbor in the church choir, architects, arts administrators, teachers and students...

Take the survey and pass the word! Deadline is this Friday, February 25, 2011. 

Crescendo Cultural- July 15-16, 2011- Chi-town-- deadline coming up!

One of my favorite spots here in Checagou is the National Museum of Mexican Art, located in Barrio Pilsen, just west of downtown Chicago. The museum played a big role in my move here to the Windy City; the museum’s President, Carlos Tortolero has been a valued mentor of mine the last few years. He is a rather well-known person here in Chicago, but in my opinion doesn’t get the respect he deserves from the larger Latino arts community. Many of the museum’s and their youth-focused Yolocalli Arts Reach’s leadership is composed of talented, creative, young folks- la nueva generación.

This July they are hosting Crescendo Cultural, a convening of Latino artists and arts administrators under 35 to share and discuss the state of Latino arts and how we can help shape the future of the arts in the U.S. Although the description is a little vague and it’s a bummer that only ten people will be invited, it may mean that participants will have a lot of freedom in what the outcomes of this convening will be. Housing and travel will be provided to all those accepted. Applications are available here, and are due by February 18.

Chicago has one of the largest Latino populations in this country, and a major contributor to the arts- there is no reason why there shouldn’t be at least two Chicago-based artists/administrators in this group. The only way this can happen is if folks apply.

It should be a great opportunity to connect with other young leaders and artists around the country, and to contribute to a gathering that focuses on what is important to the emerging Latino artist/administrator. Space? Career opportunities? Training? Dealing with founder syndrome?

Don’t sleep on this Chicago, nor others from outside the area!  

Image: Ballads from My Land/ Corridos de Mi Tierra by Alfredo Arreguin, part of the permanent collection at the museum.