Question 1

What is the goal of Artists Thrive?

Accepted Answer

The ultimate goal of Artists Thrive is to raise the value of artists in  every community. More specifically, it is a set of resources that can  guide us, whether artists or those who work with artists (or want to),  in fostering the conditions in which artists can thrive. Think of  Artists Thrive like a navigation system that helps us see where we are  in our work, where we want to go, what is important to measure, and how  we can improve. We can shape our future by evaluating where we are  today.

Question 2

How can I use it?

Accepted Answer

There are currently  two tools offered by the Artists Thrive initiative, one for artists and  one for those who work with artists. The tools can be used in a variety  of ways from self-improvement and reflection to advocacy to  collaboration. They are meant to be customized, adapted, and applied to  many situations to support your work. These tools can also be used again  and again as a reference point for measuring how you, your  organization, department, community collaboration, partnership, or  artist collective is advancing toward your goals over time.

Question 3

Is there a fee?

Accepted Answer

Nope! Artists Thrive is (and will remain) free as an initiative  supported by charitable organizations. There is also no requirement to  login, create a membership, or otherwise share any information with us.  You can use it as your personal coach. There is an option to share your  responses with us if you want to contribute to the field’s learning in  this area, but it is in no way expected.

Question 4

Can I save my survey answers?

Accepted Answer

Answer: Yes. Your responses  are not automatically saved to allow you to use the tool however you  like without worrying about how your answers might be used. However, you  can save your responses by following links in the survey. We encourage  you to create (and save) a new bookmark each time you take the survey  allowing you to review your progress over time. You can also share the  link with others such as team members, collaborators, or advisors who  you would like to discuss your results with.

Question 5

Do I have to complete the whole survey?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. None of the questions are mandatory as every row or category  may not be relevant for you right now. Feel free to respond to what you  choose and disregard the rest.

Question 6

Who created this?

Accepted Answer

Artists Thrive started in 2016 when a group of arts professionals and  artists from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation’s community of  organizational and higher education grantees began to explore the  possibility of a creating an assessment tool for use by the entire  field. This led to the first draft of the Artists Thrive tools. What  began as a small leadership team of artists and organizers from across  the country has become a broad network of collaborators with backbone  support from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation. Artists and  organizations nationwide are now beginning to put these tools to  practice and continuing to provide feedback and shape the tools.

Question 7

What did you mean by some of the key words used, such as “Artist” or “Community”?

Accepted Answer

The team creating the tools  attempted to be as expansive and encompassing as possible when choosing  language in the hopes that it would speak to any user. We invite you to  customize the tool and substitute other language if these words don’t  resonate with you and your individual context (see more below about  customizing the tool under Challenge #1). For this reason, rather than  defining some of these key words, here is the frame the team had in mind  for them:
 
“Artist”:  we had in mind any individual pursuing an artistic discipline intent.  Artists who create, perform, and/or engage in art across geography,  discipline, expertise, education, age and gender were all intended to be  included in this tool.

“Community”: we were thinking  about the people you would usually discuss this type of thing with,  whether online or in person. These could be people who are in close  physical proximity to you or your peers worldwide. It’s up to you.

"Practice”: we used this term to  refer to the way in which an artist goes about creating their work. This  goes beyond the physical act of making the work and includes ideas,  influences, and processes.

“Resources”: this word is  intended to encapsulate resources of any type including your time,  skills, network, funding, education, and more.

“Skills”: similarly, we intended  to capture any skill you value, both artistic and non-artistic, to  encourage identifying and valuing all of the myriad talents you may have  as an individual artist or one who works with artists.
 
But more importantly, what do  these terms mean to you? The tools purposefully do not place constraints  on defining who is an “artist” or who makes up your “community.”

Question 8

Where did the stories come from? Can I submit one?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The stories are from peer artists and arts professionals  nationwide. Some have been submitted by collaborating organizations,  some have been created at artist gatherings, and others were submitted  directly.  We would love to hear your story about ways you have struggled  or thrived with your work as an artist or with artists.  There are 2 options for submitting - either typing your story or submitting a video.  These buttons can be found on all the story pages.

Question 9

How can I get more involved?

Accepted Answer

Start by taking the survey yourself. We also invite you to join our  newsletter list to be a part of this growing initiative of diverse  people all over the country.  You can also find information on this site  about organizing and hosting workshops and events in your community.

Question 10

Would someone come to my town/organization to lead a presentation or workshop?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Please contact us to share more about what you have in mind and make a plan.