(Worst Article Ever Written.... but at least I wrote it) It is with a heavy heart that I begin this article. An article that should be titled Your Wife is Always Right will officially be titled What the Creative Should Look for when Associating your Artistic Self with an Organization that Positions Itself as a Non-Profit arts Organization. Well, in all honesty, I am not a writer so lets just say I will, more than likely, throw out some life lessons and irritations. Let us begin: 1) Reputation: If at all possible, start at the top. The older and larger the organization, the more likely they have an honest reputation and the resources to deliver what they promise. I am loosely associated with the Arkansas Arts Council. They are at the top of the pecking order in my little state... and Im good with that. Great people. Wonderful programs. Excellent opportunities for exposure and more information than any one artist can ever absorb. Research is the key. Ask questions and keep notes. It is the artists reputation on the line as well. 2) Financial Stability: Measure your financial obligation/requirement (if any) against the promised support/return on investment. Do some reputable non-profit organizations have a financial buy in? Sure. Should this raise red flags? Absofrikkinloutly! Asking for a financial statement, annual report or even a copy of the non-profit organizations tax return, are perfectly acceptable. Any hesitation in providing these IS a more than a red flag, it is a warning of things to come. You have been warned. A quick check is that the institution should have at least one employee. Granted, new upstarts may not be able to provide this but given 6-9 months, active fundraising activities should provide for, at minimum, a part-time employee. Commonly, the formation of a non-profit by the IRS requires the signed commitment of at least three organizers. Three committed organizers unable to raise funding for at least one, part-time, minimum wage employee is a train-wreck in slow motion and should be dissolved as soon as possible to avoid the embarrassment of failure at the expense of the reputation of the organizers/members. RUN. 3) Mutual Responsibility: As a part of any group, there are certain shared responsibilities. Commonly, artists are expected to adhere to a set of standards that ensure the continued positive image and the common advancement of the group. Be mindful of any shift in an organizations mission away from the originally agreed upon mission statement. A mission statement is a CONTRACT. The more often it morphs, the more likely you are associated with a shell for less than honest business or illegal fund raising. 4) Common Cause: If you are a Sculptor or Potter, you may want to steer clear of a theater focused group if exposure is what you are looking for. That is not to say that broader focused organizations will be better but chances are a fit may be found in the later. Caution... The broader the scope of any organization, the more likely fraud may occur. An arts promotion organization that suddenly branches out into historic preservation, archeology or foreign policy may require a second look. Asking around may be necessary. If an organization has a history of interjecting themselves into unrelated projects or becoming involved in projects by stretching their mission statement, the contract with organizers, members, donors or associates has been broken. Not illegal. Highly unethical. 5) Smaller may be better: Some arts organizations may not go the route of the IRS shield of non-profit status. Cool! These are usually small, close-knit groups with a common talent/interest. Leagues or Guilds. I can not recommend these enough with the thin enthusiasm offered through my limited writing abilities. DO IT! Many of these grow, over the years, into much more than casual get togethers over coffee. Some turn into annual shows and exhibitions that rival big galleries. Friends are gained and relations forged that last a lifetime. The element of fundraising and tax dodging is eliminated thus allowing the individual the opportunity to shine amongst their small group on the way towards the world stage.
Posted on: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 16:39:18 +0000
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