# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our Demands

As the calls for long overdue change sweep every aspect of our society, we as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color theatre workers are meeting the moment, developing a new social contract for our work environments that cares for and sustains our artistry and lives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As the calls for long overdue change sweep every aspect of our society, we as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color theatre workers are meeting the moment, developing a new social contract for our work environments that cares for and sustains our artistry and lives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Duke University Press - The Revolution Will Not Be Funded

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Beyond the Non-Profit Industrial Complex

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Who we are

Free99Fridge is an Atlanta-based grassroots organization committed to fighting for food justice & addressing the needs of our neighbors through mutual aid. We provide high quality produce and non-perishable food at no cost to anyone who wants or needs it via our community fridge network. Our community fridges are stocked and maintained by volunteers, growers, and local businesses who see value in supporting their community. This is a community-run, community-backed effort. Our crew of volunteers make this project what it is. We are a solution-oriented collective aiming to build up community and end food disparities in Atlanta one fridge at a time. Join us!

Free99Fridge was founded on July 19, 2020 by our queen misfit, Latisha Springer, who is too busy making shit happen to write a bio right now.

What is a community fridge?

A community fridge is a refrigerator that is placed in a public space to enable food to be shared, at no cost, within a community. Anyone can take food out or put food in. This is a mutual aid initiative-not charity. What's the difference?

The three main objectives of community fridges

1. Eliminate food waste;

2. Provide easy access to fresh, healthy food; and

3. Encourage people to connect with their community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Home - Free99Fridge-Atlanta Community Fridges

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Free99Fridge is an Atlanta-based grassroots organization committed to fighting for food justice & addressing the needs of our neighbors through mutual aid. We provide high quality produce and non-perishable food at no cost to anyone who wants or needs it via our community fridge network.

# data[].attributes.body
What goes in the bill?

# data[].attributes.headline
Lifting up a model of a not huge company that pays their freelancers a living wage...

# data[].attributes.subject
Lifting up a model of a not huge company that pays their freelancers a living wage...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Powerful Stories. Real Conversations. Transforming Chicago. Collaboraction uses theatre for social justice in Chicago.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Racial capitalism - the process of deriving social and economic value from the racial identity of another person - is a longstanding, common, and deeply problematic practice. This Article is the first to identify racial capitalism as a systemic phenomenon and to undertake a close examination of its causes and consequences.

The Article focuses on instances of racial capitalism in which white individuals and predominantly white institutions use nonwhite people to acquire social and economic value. Affirmative action doctrines and policies provide much of the impetus for this form of racial capitalism. These doctrines and policies have fueled an intense legal and social preoccupation with the notion of diversity, which encourages white individuals and predominantly white institutions to engage in racial capitalism by deriving value from nonwhite racial identity.

Racial capitalism has serious negative consequences both for individuals and for society as a whole. The process of racial capitalism relies upon and reinforces commodification of racial identity, thereby degrading that identity by reducing it to another thing to be bought and sold. Commodification can also foster racial resentment by causing non-white people to feel used or exploited by white people. And the superficial process of assigning value to nonwhiteness within a system of racial capitalism displaces measures that would lead to meaningful social reform.

In an ideal society, racial capitalism would not occur. Given the imperfections of our current society, however, this Article proposes a pragmatic approach to dismantling racial capitalism, one that recognizes that progress must occur incrementally. Such an approach would require a transition period of limited commodification during which we would discourage racial capitalism. Moreover, we would ensure that any transaction involving racial value is structured to discourage future racial capitalism. I briefly survey some of the various legal mechanisms that can be deployed to discourage racial capitalism through limited commodification. Ultimately, this approach will allow progress toward a society in which we successfully recognize and respect racial identity without engaging in racial capitalism.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Racial capitalism - the process of deriving social and economic value from the racial identity of another person - is a longstanding, common, and deeply problematic practice. This Article is the first to identify racial capitalism as a systemic phenomenon and to undertake a close examination of its causes and consequences.

# data[].attributes.body
Food, land, health care, respect, love, care, community

# data[].attributes.body
If the change we dream of in the theater industry is mostly just changes for human dignity (healthcare! food! housing!), then we already have everything in common with folks around us.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The U.S. Federation of Worker Co-ops (USFWC) envisions organizing a worker-owned freelancer cooperative designed to meet gig workers' particular needs and to aggregate their financial and labor power in the 21st century economy. The worker-owned freelancer cooperative would relieve the administrative burden put on contractors, while providing them access to health, unemployment benefits and financial assistance.

During the pilot phase of development we are looking to onboard freelancers that work in the creative field.

This includes any person engaged in contract work where creative outputs are exchanged for monetary compensation : photographers, writers, graphic designers, painters, sketch artists, vocalists, story tellers, performers and musicians - to name a few.
The Freelancer's Project is creating the infrastructure for cooperative support resources, including:

Payment advances for contracts:

Health care through Direct Primary Care Facilities at a reduced cost

Creation of 1099s associated with contract work

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Freelancer's Co-op Initiative - U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The U.S. Federation of Worker Co-ops (USFWC) envisions organizing a worker-owned freelancer cooperative designed to meet gig workers' particular needs and to aggregate their financial and labor power in the 21st century economy. The worker-owned freelancer cooperative would relieve the administrative burden put on contractors, while providing them access to health, unemployment benefits and financial assistance.

# data[].attributes.body
to address food scarcity in their communities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
#AGTAWinterDrive

In 7 weeks, we travelled 193 miles to collect and distribute 16 winter coats, 10 reusable masks, 6 rain ponchos, 11 first aid kits, 29 hygiene kits, 140 lbs of firewood, 2 fire extinguishers, 23 cinder blocks, 60 disposable masks, 1102 snacks, 989 beverages, and 100 lbs of groceries. 3 households pledged to make weekly grocery donations to Free99Fridge. We delivered to all 6 of the Free99Fridge locations and 2 Madhousers camps.
These donations were collected from our partners:
Atlanta Theatre Artists for Justice, Vintage Mama Atelier/Boutique

7 Stages & Aileen Loy, Sculpture Things, The Lucky Penny, Theater Emory, Decatur Makers, Karen Rodriguez

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Winter Drive - ATLANTA GREEN THEATRE ALLIANCE

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In 7 weeks, we travelled 193 miles to collect and distribute 16 winter coats, 10 reusable masks, 6 rain ponchos, 11 first aid kits, 29 hygiene kits, 140 lbs of firewood, 2 fire extinguishers, 23 cinder blocks, 60 disposable masks, 1102 snacks, 989 beverages, and 100 lbs of groceries.

# data[].attributes.body
Solidarity with other movements

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The New Standard of Care for Caregivers

is a movement of ethical support for caregivers expected of all institutions
for 2021 and beyond.

About: The three pillars of justice uphold and run through the 11 action steps, prioritizing Anti-Racism as the central pillar to caregiver support as lack of caregiver support impacts Black, Indigenous, People of Color communities uniquely and exponentially. Prioritize and center anti-racism in all practices, including caregiver support.

1. You cannot have an anti-racist organization without formal caregiver support.

2. You cannot have gender parity or gender inclusion without formal caregiver support.

The majority of caregiving responsibilities falls on birthing people and women and removes them from the workplace and work opportunities, including auditions, interviews, and career development. []

Black, Indigenous, People of Color communities are impacted significantly by the intersection of gender and race, with the caregiver community as no exception. "Black Trans Women & Black Trans Femmes's quality of life is tied to both cultural attitudes and institutional policies." -

EEO statements should read: "We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics." []

3. You cannot support reproductive rights without formal caregiver support.

The diverse paths of family planning and responsibility must be supported in all caregiver policies and formal support, including IVF/assisted reproduction, pregnancy loss, reproductive health choices, birth, adoption, foster care, surrogacy, and more.

"Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and individuals who live at the intersection of identities encounter pervasive reproductive health injustice. Many lack health insurance, and with it, coverage for essential services. Black and Indigenous patients are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than non-Hispanic White patients." -

Language such as "we have no obligation to support them because they chose/it was their choice to have a child," is rooted in classicism, racism, and misogyny. These claims neglect communal responsibility and uphold biased and privileged perception of caregiving. To correct it: acknowledge that caregiving is not always a "choice;" to assume so ignores a vast range of complexities such as access to healthcare, biological variability, and the unpredictable - and often sudden - reality of elder and other dependent care, among other diverse circumstances.

4. Provide caregiver support for all departments and contributors in the organization - regardless of status in the employment hierarchy and family design.

Acknowledge that individuals become caregivers in diverse ways and function in diverse family designs; language must be inclusive for these designs and policies must consider all care potentials (defined as "Legal Dependents") to include birth, adoption, foster care, elder care, dependent relatives, and other inclusive definitions.
​​

The voices and needs of Black, Indigenous, People of Color caregivers are often silenced and oppressed due to white-led organizations and conversations.

"The majority white decision-makers who head nonprofits have considerable authority in deciding who gets the mic, which conversations take place (& with whom) & what narratives are pushed forward - or pushed aside." - International Mother Artist Day Data Board on "Systemic Racism in NonProfits," partnership with PAAL and Philadelphia Women's Theatre Festival, led and advised by Tamanya Garza

"Black, Indigenous, People of Color work more and earn less. Studies show that the cost of childcare is out of reach for most working families, and these high costs don't translate into high wages for the BIPOC women and birthing people statistically doing most of the care work." - International Mother Artist Day Data Board on "Systemic Racism in NonProfits," partnership with PAAL and Philadelphia Women's Theatre Festival, led and advised by Tamanya Garza

Transgender artists, nonbinary artists, and cis women artists, particularly in the Black, Indigenous, People of Color community, make less on the dollar, have fewer employment opportunities, and are expected to put labor into finding childcare/caregiver resources in order to work at all.

Family leave impacts Black, Indigenous, People of Color communities exponentially. []"Estimates for subgroups suggest that Black non-Hispanic mothers saw the largest absolute gain in leavetaking. Their maternity leave increased by 10.6 percentage points (relative to their baseline rate of 2 percent), for a predicted increase of about 6 weeks.'" -

Caregiver Support by Numbers | PAAL

Abolish the 10/12 to achieve caregiver support that is also humane for everyone.

Excessive hours can create great logistical, financial, and physiological obstacles impeding employment and/or sustainable, healthy employment."A 12+ hour work day, back to back on multiple days, with only one day to recover is a severe impediment for anyone trying to live and make a living. It is a racist practice disproportionately impacting BIPOC folx who do not have the privilege of other family support (social, financial or otherwise) or built-in network, nor the benefit of being the most represented voice in the room. For indigenous communities who are trying to rebuild their population after generations of genocide and mistreatment, the choice of picking between family, work/life balance and a career takes on an entirely different meaning. Any discussion of equity, diversity and inclusion is built on a false premise if the work conditions preclude certain races from ever being able to get in the door. We encourage you to read more about dismantling these oppressive practices at ." -

NoMore10Outof12s.com

9. Support the health and well-being of families through inclusive sick day policies that extend to children/dependents and through remote work opportunities

Policies must include remote work opportunities and acceptance of dependent health conflicts to provide some compensation for the inequity in our insurance systems.

"A study on paid disability leave in five different states by Jenna Stearns in the Journal of Health Economics found that 'these programs led to improved infant health, with the largest effects accruing to disadvantaged African American and unmarried mothers.'" -

"There is such a long history of mistrust between white people and Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities which cannot be remedied by a generic "family friendly" invitation to a conference. It's difficult to repair trust when communication is not clear around whose experience and comfort is being prioritized." - Nicole Brewer, "Parents of Color and The Need For Anti-Racist Theatre Practices"

11. Create a plan for accessible remote-work options for caregivers who do not feel safe bringing their children into the workspace.

Parents in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities who experience skin discrimination, and want to protect their children from the same, should be given the right to engage remotely so as to protect their children from institution spaces while our industry does the work to make these spaces antiracist.

12. Create accessible and compliant spaces as well as remote work/call-in opportunities to support caregivers in the disability community and/or with children/dependents with disabilities.

Black, Indigenous, People of Color communities who are also part of the disability community experience exponential obstacles preventing access even to the already limited platforms and avenues of access and support."'[The Americans with Disability Act is] a floor, not a ceiling. The law essentially says, okay, you're here and I recognize it," Wilson said. "But the problem with most laws is that even if they technically apply to everyone in the same way, you often still have to have a certain level of access or power in order to take advantage of them.'" -

To Be BIPOC, Disabled and Fighting for Justice

Artists who are neurodiverse and/or with children/dependents who are neurodiverse must be visibly considered, supported, included in policy, and given agency in the development and manifestation of support.

Travel can be prohibitive when caregiving, and/or with the intersection of disability

Black, Indigenous, People of Color communities are most vulnerable, including during pregnancy, in all systems: social, medical, economical, professional."Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women." -

Centers for Disease Control

Create legal, ethical, and compassionate mediations and conversations that center the needs of the pregnant person over the organization's preconceived vision.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You cannot have an anti-racist organization without formal caregiver support. You cannot have gender parity or gender inclusion without formal caregiver support. The majority of caregiving responsibilities falls on birthing people and women and removes them from the workplace and work opportunities, including auditions, interviews, and career development.

# data[].attributes.headline
Parent Caregiver resources, support, and advocacy

# data[].attributes.subject
Parent Caregiver resources, support, and advocacy

# data[].attributes.body
paaltheatre.com

# data[].attributes.headline
Until there is medicare for all - PORTABLE BENEFITS FOR FREELANCERS

# data[].attributes.subject
Until there is medicare for all - PORTABLE BENEFITS FOR FREELANCERS

# data[].attributes.body
I think the idea of our own worth so beautifully expressed leads to a dream of a whole society that values Art. In capitalism, money is valued more than anything. If we own our worth, as a community we can just say 'no' we will not accept minimal compensation just because we love what we do. Loving it, we accept less. That should not be the case. Love it and get paid for it!

# data[].attributes.body
A living wage
Medicare for All
Childcare coverage

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Three Minnesota Nonprofits Advocate for Wage Transparency

Job Postings on Minnesota Nonprofit Job Boards Must Now Include Compensation Information

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Pollen, and Springboard for the Arts are pleased to announce that as of July 21, all job postings across their job boards must include compensation information, with each organization reserving the right to not publish those that do not. As organizations hosting go-to job boards in the nonprofit, civic, and creative sectors in Minnesota and the region, this is an important move towards structural change for equity in hiring, and closing pay gaps by race and gender.
"Nonprofits achieve their charitable missions for a healthy, cooperative, and just society in large part because of strong and values-driven employees who represent the single-largest investment a nonprofit makes each year," said Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Associate Director Nonoko Sato. " Minnesota's nonprofit workforce has made positive strides towards reducing the pay gap with other types of employers, including business and government. By having access to accurate, representative compensation information up front, jobseekers are in a better position to find the right fit and mission for their careers. We recognize that salary transparency on its own cannot resolve inequitable hiring practices, but it is a critical step, among many, that works in tandem with other elements of a hiring process to close gaps by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity/orientations, and more."
"Salary transparency is a small but important step towards making the hiring process more equitable and less frustrating for everyone," said Springboard for the Arts Executive Director Laura Zabel. " We hope that this change to our job boards will help support organizations to reexamine all the things we have been taught are 'best practices', ask ourselves 'best practices for who?' and reimagine our internal systems to align with the mission and values of our work."
"100% of job seekers want to know salary information before applying for a job." said Pollen Executive Director Jamie Millard. " When employers are upfront about what a job pays, it signals to the job seeker that their expertise, talent, and contributions will be valued fairly. Imagine the relief a job seeker feels when they excitedly read through a posting for their dream job and see that compensation upfront. They can make a decision, right then and there, to invest the time in applying and trust that the compensation aligns with their goals and needs. It's a win/win for everyone."
Springboard for the Arts Job Board: https://springboardforthearts.org/jobs/
Pollen Job Board: https://www.pollenmidwest.org/opportunities/
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Job Board: https://jobs.minnesotanonprofits.org/

Why Salary Transparency Is Important

As we make this move towards transparency, it is informed by the research and the experiences of our sector. Wage transparency is critical for our collective future because:
*Being transparent about compensation is one way organizations can address discriminatory and inequitable workplace practices, thereby putting an end to perpetuating harm against the communities and people they serve.
*Wage transparency reduces the gender pay gap by 7%. When job listings include a clear range, it eliminates the need to negotiate - a practice that rewards white men but punishes people of color and womxn.
*Including compensation information helps organizations recruit and retain talent. When candidates see that organizations are committed to wage transparency, it demonstrates an organization's values in action.
*Applying for jobs is time-consuming. Candidates meet for informational interviews, tailor their cover letters and resumes, tap their networks for connections, follow up with the hiring manager and, if they're lucky, participate in multiple interviews. To invest all that time into an opportunity and organization only to learn at the end of the process that the compensation is well below what they can accept is demoralizing and a waste of time on all sides. Organizations need to respect candidates' time and be forthcoming with compensation information from the start. Hiring committees benefit from transparency as it is frustrating and demoralizing to invest time in a candidate who can't afford to take the job.
*When employees feel valued and are compensated fairly with wage transparency, they are more motivated and productive.

Advocating for Salary Transparency

We know that this transition may be difficult for organizations, and challenge long-standing assumptions around hiring and compensation strategies. This may result in hard conversations with your staff, donors, and around your budgeting process, but these steps are critical for moving towards equity. Below are some ongoing resources to guide your conversation and planning.
*Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Salary Survey: https://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/resources-tools/publication-detail/2018-minnesota-nonprofit-salary-benefits-survey
*W.A.G.E. guide & fee calculator for visual art work: https://wageforwork.com/fee-calculator
*The New York Times on closing the pay gap and salary transparency: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/20/smarter-living/pay-wage-gap-salary-secrecy-transparency.html
*Nonprofit AF on the importance of salary transparency: https://nonprofitaf.com/2015/06/when-you-dont-disclose-salary-range-on-a-job-posting-a-unicorn-loses-its-wings/
*Team Dynamics BEHAVE podcast on hiring: https://behave.libsyn.com/behave-episode-1906

We welcome your questions or comments about this policy. Please be in touch at:
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits: John Wurm, jwurm@minnesotanonprofits.org
Pollen: Julie Cohen, julie@pollenmidwest.org
Springboard for the Arts: Andy Sturdevant, andy@springboardforthearts.org

About MCN

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) was founded in 1987 to meet the increasing information needs of nonprofits and to convene nonprofits to address issues facing the sector. It is the largest state association of nonprofits in the United States. Through MCN, nonprofits join together across interest areas to work on issues of common concern to all. MCN was the largest employer association to support the 2014 statewide increase in minimum wage, as well as 2017 Minneapolis and 2018 St. Paul ordinances for $15 minimum wage. MCN has the largest state-wide job board for nonprofits, hosting an average of 1,320 of current job postings per month. The organization has also published a biennial nonprofit salary and benefit survey report for the past 22 years, and collects data on Minnesota nonprofit economy every year. Notable data about MN nonprofits:
*Minnesota nonprofits employed 391,850 Minnesotans in 2019, 14 percent of the state's workforce
*The average nonprofit annual wage (excluding hospitals and higher education) was $55,181, compared to average business wages of $60,341 and government wages of $54,681
*Minnesota nonprofit employees are 75 percent female, compared to 60 percent female for government and 45 percent female for business.
*For further nonprofit workforce information see https://bit.ly/MCN_NPER18

About Pollen

Pollen is a media arts organization that fosters empathy, encourages connection across difference, and inspires meaningful action by sharing stories of individuals who want to change our collective story for the better. Through its narrative experiences, Pollen grows a network of Pollenites who have an unwavering belief in equity, empathy, and our shared humanity. Its social enterprise, Pollen Studio, brings Pollen's narrative expertise to mission-driven organizations looking to tell their stories in new and engaging ways. More at: www.pollenmidwest.org

About Springboard for the Arts

Springboard for the Arts is an economic and community development organization for artists and by artists. From our offices in Fergus Falls and Saint Paul, MN, Springboard provides programs that help artists make a living and a life, and programs that help communities connect to the creative power of artists. Our work is about creating communities and artists that have a reciprocal relationship, where artists are key contributors to community issues and are visible and valued for the impact they create. We do this work by creating simple, practical solutions and systems to support artists. Springboard's work has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Stanford Social Innovation Review and The Guardian and directly impacts over 25,000 artists each year in our home state of Minnesota. Through national tools and training Springboard's programs have been replicated in over 80 communities across the U.S. and internationally. Learn more about our work at: www.springboardforthearts.org.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Three Minnesota Nonprofits Partner to Advance Pay Equity | Springboard for the Arts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Three Minnesota Nonprofits Advocate for Wage Transparency Job Postings on Minnesota Nonprofit Job Boards Must Now Include Compensation Information The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Pollen, and Springboard for the Arts are pleased to announce that as of July 21, all job postings across their job boards must include compensation information, with each organization reserving the [...]

# data[].attributes.headline
Dance Magazine – Has Anyone Asked Artists What They Need?

# data[].attributes.subject
Dance Magazine – Has Anyone Asked Artists What They Need?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A Clean Routine

No shame: Many of us weren't cleaning studio flooring close to often enough before COVID-19 forced a collective rethink. "Prior to COVID, it really felt like a chore to get the floors clean," Lown says. "And it can become easy to get frustrated with the performance of your floors, when actually it's probably not a product issue-it's a stewardship issue." If nothing else, use this breather between spring performances and summer session to overhaul your floor-cleaning routine so that the floor can perform at its best.

It's a common misconception that cleaning dance flooring too often will harm the surface. That's not the case if you're using products and procedures approved by your floor manufacturer. Stagestep Flooring alone offers a whole range of specialized cleaning products, plus multiproduct cleaning kits that include everything you'll need. When in doubt, check your flooring company's website for cleaning solutions (pun intended).

Decisions, Decisions

There are pros and cons to every marley and subfloor option out there, depending on your particular needs. Do you want the elegant look of a permanent installation with welded seams? Or does your troupe perform often in unusual settings, meaning the flexibility of taped-down marley is more convenient? There are multipurpose floors that suit all dance genres and specialty floors for specific needs-Stagestep Flooring even has flooring that mimics wood (plus more than one real hardwood option) and super-thick, sprung flooring that can be laid directly on top of concrete.

Does all that variety sound overwhelming? "Don't feel like you have to do all of the research yourself," Mailhes says. "Whenever I've seen Stagestep at trade shows, they're happy to talk it all through. Even when I've called and asked a million questions about each type of floor, they've laid out the options honestly and helped me hash out what the right fit is for my dancers-not just what the most expensive choice is. Tell them your space and what you use it for, and they'll help you."

Red Door Dance Academy's Stagestep floors are perfect for in-studio showcases.

Taylor Waters, Courtesy Red Door Dance Academy

If You Don't Know Where to Begin

Even if you're a total novice or in a major time crunch when it comes to your dance floors, the information and service you'll need to upgrade your flooring game is out there. This time last year, Lown found herself about to open a second location, but in the midst of repeated pivoting due to the coronavirus, flooring and other facility needs had fallen by the wayside. "I called Stagestep and they came to the rescue," she recalls. "The floor came ASAP, and it was beautiful."

Mailhes has both installed her own floors DIY-style and hired professional contractors, and she says that Stagestep provided plenty of guidance (including detailed how-to videos) that eliminated much of the guesswork from the entire process. If you choose a flooring company known for its speedy and reliable customer service, that all-important foundation for classes and rehearsals will be there when you need it.

Stagestep's customer service representatives eliminate the guesswork out of choosing the perfect floor for your needs.

Marcie Parker, Courtesy Red Door Dance Academy

Even If You Think You Don't Need To

Flooring is obviously a huge investment, one that can pay for itself over time if taken good care of. But Lown adds that studio owners should always be setting aside funds to replace or restore existing floors, or to install flooring in a new location: "Take a dedicated percent of your revenue and set it aside for capital improvements." That way you and your bottom line will be ready when your floors need a refresh, like the next time that this between-recital-and-summer season rolls around.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Has Anyone Asked Artists What They Need?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's Monday, May 4, 2020 at 6:20 pm and I start a text chain with 10 artists I find in my phone. I'm at home, I am bored, and I am in this sort of limbo with myself. Dusty Springfield has been on repeat. In my head.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Denver Actors Fund is now able to offer completely free virtual urgent care with Colorado Board-certified physicians.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We are volunteer, artist-led community support, advocacy and relief organization that helps artists however they need help.

Our core missions are twofold: to compassionately identify and meet the needs of the arts community with the empathetic understanding of fellow artists, and to advocate for the social change necessary for a humanistic, equitable arts community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Atlanta Artist Relief Fund - Helping every Atlanta Artist thrive!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are volunteer, artist-led community support, advocacy and relief organization that helps artists however they need help. Our core missions are twofold: to compassionately identify and meet the needs of the arts community with the empathetic understanding of fellow artists, and to advocate for the social change necessary for a humanistic, equitable arts community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Here are a few examples of arts and culture groups and initiatives in the Solidarity Economy. As shown throughout the report, all networks and infrastructure in the Solidarity Economy-regardless of their emphasis on arts and culture-will support artists and culture-bearers. See the list below and add yourself to these examples.

Land and Housing

Housing Cooperatives: Divine House, Art Cooperative

Cooperative Store / Gallery: Dutch Alley Artists Co-op, A.I.R Gallery, Ujamaa Collective, ARTZ (Ancestral Rich Treasures of Zuni) Cooperative, Qualla Arts & Crafts,_ Art Center Cooperative, Aarhus Makers, Ulična galerija

Cooperative Studios: Talking Dolls, Adaept

Cooperative Recording Spaces: Live Musicians Co-op

Cohousing and Intentional Communities: Convent Arts Community, MilePost 5

Cooperative Co-working, Retreat, Residency, or Landback Network: ZEAL, Activation Residency, Flux Factory, The Weavers Project, Soul Fire Farm, Yo Mama's House, Black [Space Residency, Land Relationships Super Collective_
_ = majority BIPOC membership
Work and Labor

Worker Cooperatives, News and Media: Cafeteria Radio, Means TV, Media Reparations, Associated Press, Devil Strip, Discourse Blog

Worker Cooperatives, Architectural Design and Construction: Earth-Bound Building_, Oxbow Design Build

Worker Cooperatives, Craft: Adams & Chittenden Scientific Glass, and so many more, including over 300 craft cooperatives.

Worker Cooperatives, Fashion: Custom Collaborative,_ Friends of Light

Worker Cooperatives, Printmaking: Cards by Dé, Story 2 Designs, JustSeeds, Radix Media

Worker Cooperatives, Graphic Design: Story2Designs,* Surplus Plus_, TESA, Partner & Partners

Worker Cooperatives, Film + VR + Tech + Audio + Video Games: CRUX, The Sound Co-op, MOXI, Meerkat Media_, GlorySociety, Agaric*

Worker Cooperatives, Beauty: Mirror Beauty Cooperative, Brown Beauty Co-op, Salon Cooperative

Worker Cooperatives, , Music, Dance, Theatre: Ujima Theatre Company, Obvious Agency, Rhythm Conspiracy_, The Team, the COOP

Multi-stakeholder Cooperatives: Happy Family Night Market

Producer Cooperatives: 200 Million Artisans, Justseeds

Time Banking: Metasofa Arts Community, Kolanut Collaborative

Mutual Aid: NDN Collective, Sol Collective

Barter Systems and Non-Monetary Exchange: O+ Festival
_ = majority BIPOC membership
Money and Finance

Participatory Budgeting: Runway, Participatory Budgeting Project

Credit Unions: Actors Federal Credit Union

Community currencies: Circles, Tandas

CDFIs: The Working World, SeedCommons, First People's Fund, Oweesta Corporation

Community Loan Fund: Boston Ujima Project, Black Farmer Fund

Solidarity Philanthropy and Grantmaking: Center for Economic Democracy, The Weavers Project, AmbitioUS, NDNCollective, Intercultural Leadership Institute

Democratic Loan Funds and Grants: Boston Ujima Project, NDN Collective, Runway, First People's Fund, Black Artist Fund*, Seed Commons, Common Future (* = majority BIPOC membership)

Cooperative Insurance: Guilded, Open Collective Foundation, ArtsPool ( = majority BIPOC membership)

Cooperative Marketing: 200 Million Artisans*, BlacSpace Cooperative* (* = majority BIPOC membership)

Energy and Utilities

Community Solar: Soulardarity

Community Broadband: Institute for Local Self Reliance's MuniNetworks

Energy Democracy: Uprose Brooklyn

Food and Farming

Community Gardens: All community gardens!

Community Supported Agriculture: All CSAs!

Food and Farm Co-ops: Soul Fire Farm, Double Edge Theatre, Cooperative Food Empowerment Directive (CoFED), Acres of Ancestry

Community Fridges: All Community fridges!

Media & Technology

Community Radio: KOJH 104.7 FM (Mutual Musicians Foundation)

Platform Cooperatives: CRUX, Guilded, Ampled, and internationally Stocksy in Canada, Smart in Belgium, Arctic Co-ops in Canada, and Doc Servizi in Italy

Solutions Journalism: Solutions Journalism Network

Open Source: Mozilla, Wikipedia

Copyleft: Creative Commons

Cooperative and Collective Study Groups: Repaired Nations,* GEEX, Anti- capitalism for Artists, Architecture Beyond Capitalism, Dark Study, Dark Matter University, Dark Laboratory,_ Artists Dismantling Capitalism, Cooperation Humboldt, School of Art, Culture, and Resistance, Arts, Culture, and Care in the Solidarity Economy Working Group_, TradeSchool.coop (closed), and so many more
_ = majority BIPOC membership

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Solidarity Not Charity - Grantmaking in the Solidarity Economy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Here are a few examples of arts and culture groups and initiatives in the Solidarity Economy. As shown throughout the report, all networks and infrastructure in the Solidarity Economy-regardless of their emphasis on arts and culture-will support artists and culture-bearers. See the list below and add yourself to these examples.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
https://gofund.me/ee7bd06a

Keep up with everything we're doing at:

https://linktr.ee/chicagoartistsrelief

Next event (join us!): We Move Together, a high-energy dance workout party led by CARF co-founder Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel.
Wed 5/12 at 6 pm CDT. Register at http://bit.ly/WeMoveWithCruz.

Latest funding update:

Thank you to all artists who applied for Round 5, and to all who donated to make Round 5 possible.
Applications were processed and funds distributed in February-March 2021.
The next round will open as soon as we have enough funds! Make it happen sooner by contributing today!

Why we exist:

Chicago wouldn't be Chicago without its artists. Painters, filmmakers, sculptors, dancers, musicians, theater makers, writers: artists help us tap into our own creativity, to see the world in new ways, to share experiences in communal spaces. But as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, these communal spaces remain shut down. And too many artists aren't sure how they're going to make rent this month. Or next.

Our ask:

Please pitch in to our relief fund for our fellow artists!

This fund was created by Chicago artists in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We allocate microgrants of up to $300 each in order to support our colleagues in the City of Chicago arts community who are experiencing financial repercussions due to the pandemic.

Priority will be given to BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, and People of Color] artists, trans+ & nonbinary & queer artists, and disabled and immunocompromised artists - but we aim to help as many artists residing in the City of Chicago as possible. Our ability to do that will depend on how much we can raise.

If you're an artist with resources to spare, please consider contributing to support your colleagues. If you're a lover of the arts, please consider contributing directly to the individuals who devote their lives to creating for our city.

Our equity lens:

We recognize the inequity inherent in our communities - globally, nationally, locally, and often especially in the arts. Even in times of stability, many working artists are able to pursue their careers with the help of family wealth, the support of a partner, or work in other fields, and many benefit from other social privileges connected to race, gender, sexuality, size, ability, citizenship status, and more. As Ijeoma Oluo, organizer of the Seattle Artists Relief Fund, writes, some of us are in "the rare and privileged position to be able to weather this [crisis] financially. Many are not."

We recognize that government agencies, institutions, and non-profits often do not or are not able to prioritize those whom inequity affects most on a daily basis, even outside times of crisis. As such, we prioritize artists who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Queer, Trans+, Non-Binary, Disabled, and Immunocompromised, but will endeavor to support as many City of Chicago artists as possible.

Who's eligible to apply?:

Artists living in the City of Chicago (check out this map if you're not sure) whose income has been impacted by COVID-19 are invited to apply when our application opens up periodically.

Our fiscal sponsor:

We're proud to be sponsored by Soham Dance Space, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit. If you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation to our campaign, go to paypal.me/ SohamDanceSpace or use our PayPal email [email redacted], including "Chicago Artists Relief Fund" in the notes. Or, you can send a check payable to Soham Dance Space, with "Chicago Artists Relief Fund" in the memo, to: 1932 S Halsted Street, #206, Chicago, IL 60608. Please note that checks by mail will require a longer processing time.

Our confidentiality and transparency statement:

The Chicago Artists Relief Fund is managed by a group of community volunteers. Bios can be found here. Though organizational affiliations are listed, each individual is acting on their own behalf.

All application information is kept confidential by the organizers. Please view our more detailed confidentiality agreement, signed digitally by all members of the team, here.

100% of contributions are allocated directly to artists who apply to the fund (minus GoFundMe and PayPal fees -- our only expenses). No volunteer receives any percentage. We are following best practices for internal record-keeping to ensure every dollar is accounted for. We update the community regularly as funds are allocated, and will continue to do so.

Citing our sources:

We gratefully acknowledge writer and activist Ijeoma Oluo and her Seattle Artists Relief Fund, which inspired us to start this effort for the Chicago region. We also acknowledge Jeremy O. Harris and The Bushwick Starr as sources for our application language starting in Round 3.

Our logo was designed by Chicago artist Michelle Underwood!

Who are we?

We are an independent group of artists in the Chicago area (Adelina Feldman-Schultz, Anjal Chande, Claire Stone, Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel, Elizabeth Blondel, Ellenor Riley-Condit, Hal Cosentino, Jessica Kadish-Hernández, Lindsay Hopkins, Michael McCracken, and youth associate member Rachit Das). Learn more about us here.

Questions?

Please email [email redacted].

Press:

WTTW Chicago
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Reader
The Arts Section
Picture This Post

Additional resources:

Please click here for a list of additional resources for artists.(This list is continually updated as we become aware of new opportunities. If you have one to share, please email us!)

We love you, Chicago.

Read more

GoFundMe Guarantee

Only donations on our platform are protected by the GoFundMe Guarantee.

#1 fundraising platform

More people start fundraisers on GoFundMe than on any other platform. Learn more

GoFundMe Guarantee

In the rare case something isn't right, we will work with you to determine if misuse occurred. Learn more

Expert advice, 24/7

Contact us with your questions and we'll answer, day or night. Learn more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Chicago Artists Relief Fund, organized by Ellenor Riley-Condit

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
https://gofund.me/ee7bd06a Keep up with everything we're doing at: https://linktr.ee/chicagoartistsrelief Next event (join us!): We Move Together, a high-energy dance workout party led by CARF co-founder Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel.Wed 5/12 at 6 pm CDT. Register at http://bit.ly/WeMoveWithCruz.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Personal Emergency Relief Fund is a long-standing program of Springboard for the Arts. The purpose of the Fund is to provide short-term, immediate relief to artists who are facing lost income or unexpected expenses due to situations like theft, illness, fire, flood, natural disaster, or in this current moment, global pandemics disrupting economic and social systems as we know them.

When it became apparent how hard the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic and the wave of cancellations would hit the creative community in Minnesota, Springboard launched the Coronavirus Personal Emergency Relief Fund on March 12 with $10,000 allocated from Springboard's budget.

In a little under a month, Springboard has been able to directly support 585 Minnesota artists with $280,000. Springboard has been overwhelmed by the generosity of donors who gave to the Fund, of organizational and foundation partners who have stepped up for artists, and of artists themselves, who have turned their creativity into ways to support their community. This is what gives hope in this moment.

To make sure that this moment isn't lost, Springboard has created a resource - So You Want to Start an Emergency Relief Fund - that provides an overview of how their program is set up, practical processes, and big picture ideas around how and why to run an emergency relief fund. If you are interested in Emergency Relief Funds, you don't have to re-invent the wheel, this resource is here for you!
Get the PDF here!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Emergency Relief Funds Toolkit - Creative Exchange

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Personal Emergency Relief Fund is a long-standing program of Springboard for the Arts. The purpose of the Fund is to provide short-term, immediate relief to artists who are facing lost income or unexpected expenses due to situations like theft, illness, fire, flood, natural disaster, or in this current moment, global pandemics disrupting economic and social systems as we know them.

# data[].attributes.headline
Springboard for the Arts Guaranteed Income for Artists Pilot

# data[].attributes.subject
Springboard for the Arts Guaranteed Income for Artists Pilot

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is Guaranteed Minimum Income?
From Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, "A guaranteed income is a monthly, cash payment given directly to individuals. It is unconditional, with no strings attached and no work requirements. A guaranteed income is meant to supplement, rather than replace, the existing social safety net and can be a tool for racial and gender equity."

Why is Springboard doing this?
This past year has shown how fragile our existing social supports are, and how our ecosystem for artists and creative workers needs more investment to be equitable and sustainable. Americans for the Arts' report COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers, shows that 62% of artists have become fully unemployed because of COVID-19 and 95% have experienced income loss from COVID-19. In addition to the specific challenges of the COVID-19 crisis, the pandemic has illuminated that there is little to no safety net for most individual artists, creating a pressing emergency of equity in economic opportunity especially for artists who are Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color. While many recovery efforts focus on nonprofit arts organizations or business relief; artists and creative workers are falling through the gaps.

The disruption across the whole economy, which has specifically and catastrophically affected the creative, entertainment, service, and retail industries, requires a response larger than any one donor, organization, or foundation. In the coming year, Springboard for the Arts seeks to address these vulnerabilities through a combination of direct services to meet artists' needs and broad programming to address systemic issues. Inspired by the existing People's Prosperity Guaranteed Income Pilot in St. Paul, we are excited to pilot direct, unrestricted, noncompetitive financial support, in the form of Guaranteed Minimum Income, for culture workers.

Are you using public money to fund this pilot?
No, the Guaranteed Income for Artists Pilot is being funded by two private foundations, the McKnight Foundation and the Bush Foundation.

I'm an artist in St. Paul, can I apply?
We are not taking open applications for the Guaranteed Income for Artists Pilot. Recipients will be selected at random from an eligible pool of artists who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 and have received support from Springboard's Coronavirus Personal Emergency Relief Fund. We are focusing this pilot on 25 artists in the Frogtown and Rondo neighborhoods of St. Paul.

Springboard is also partnering with the City of St. Paul to work with local artists to design projects that address stereotypes and misconceptions around economic insecurity and to share the impact of the Peoples Prosperity Pilot. We will have more information about how artists can be a part of this work in Spring of 2021.

Will you be sharing a list of artists in the pilot?
We will not be sharing a public list of participating artists. Guaranteed Income is not a grant or an award for public recognition, Guaranteed Income is analogous to public benefits such as Unemployment Insurance or SNAP. Participation in this pilot is not an endorsement of the artists by Springboard or by our partners and stakeholders.

Additional resources on Guaranteed Income:
Mayors for Guaranteed Income: https://www.mayorsforagi.org/
Stockton Demonstration Project findings: https://www.stocktondemonstration.org/
Peoples Prosperity Guaranteed Income Pilot in St. Paul: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/financial-empowerment/peoples-prosperity-guaranteed-income-pilot

Other guaranteed income pilots for artists:
Long Beach, CA: https://www.gazettes.com/news/coronavirus/long-beach-moves-ahead-with-guaranteed-income-for-some-artists/article_e31a63c2-29e8-11eb-85a7-af555525904d.html
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, CA/Bay Area: https://ybca.org/guaranteed-income-pilot/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Guaranteed Income for Artists | Springboard for the Arts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Springboard for the Arts is excited to announce the launch of a guaranteed minimum income pilot program for artists and culture workers in St. Paul. Inspired by the City of St. Paul's People's Prosperity Pilot and the Mayors for Guaranteed Income network, this pilot will be one of the first guaranteed income pilots in the [...]

# data[].attributes.body
Stories of artists and their impact, creative toolkits for change and actions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Creative Exchange is a platform sharing artful ideas for stronger communities, and is the national program of Springboard for the Arts. On this platform we share stories of artists and their impact in community, and free, practical toolkits for artist-engaged programs, from professional development to creative placemaking to fun projects to bring people together. Get connected to resources and get inspired!

We believe in creative people power, and want to share a narrative about the value and creative power of artists. We want to share the successes, strategies and challenges that artists and communities have when working together. And we want to tell stories at all scales, from the artists creating small moments of surprise on their block to the large-scale cross-sector creative partnerships. Find those stories in our profiles of Artists with Impact.

A major part of the work of Creative Exchange is to remind you that you are not alone. This work of creative people power is being done in so many ways, by so many people. We share stories and toolkits freely, and you can too. Stay up to date with events, calls, partner content and broader explorations on the work of art and community in our Special Features.

Across the country, artists, arts organizations, businesses and governments are doing creative, expansive work that is shaping the world we live in. We collect and share practical, proven resources for these creative projects so that you can spark change in your community. Replicate a program like Community Supported Art directly, or use a toolkit as a way to start a conversation with partners. Browse them all, and get your free resources on the Toolkits page.

Stay up-to-date with Creative Exchange by following us on Facebook and Twitter, or signing up for Springboard for the Arts' e-mail list.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Creative Exchange is a platform sharing artful ideas for stronger communities, and is the national program of Springboard for the Arts. On this platform we share stories of artists and their impact in community, and free, practical toolkits for artist-engaged programs, from professional development to creative placemaking to fun projects to bring people together.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Led by Carl Atiya Swanson (he/him/his), Cast Consulting is about what's next for you and your organization, based in creativity, collaboration and strategic thinking. It's about writing things down, saying them aloud, and making meaning together. It's about getting work done.

If there was a billboard to put up to advertise this work, it would say YOU ARE NOT ALONE. It's how we do our best work, live our best lives, and be our best selves.

Specializing in facilitation, planning, project management, and communications, Cast Consulting works at the intersection of art, enterprise, and organizational practice. Cast Consulting is a flexible, adaptive resource to meet your needs. Be in touch, let's make life interesting together.
See more about services & pricing →

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Led by Carl Atiya Swanson (he/him/his), Cast Consulting is about what's next for you and your organization, based in creativity, collaboration and strategic thinking. It's about writing things down, saying them aloud, and making meaning together. It's about getting work done.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We power Creative Exchange

Springboard for the Arts' national program is Creative Exchange, an online platform sharing stories of artists with impact and practical toolkits for you to create and run artist-centered projects in your community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Springboard for the Arts | Thrive as an artist, connect to artists

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Springboard for the Arts' national program is Creative Exchange, an online platform sharing stories of artists with impact and practical toolkits for you to create and run artist-centered projects in your community.

# data[].attributes.body
https://studentdebtcrisis.org/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Student Debt Crisis working directly with borrowers to help them navigate the bewildering and frustrating loan repayment system - and two, advocating for lasting and meaningful change through advocacy work and the lobbying of national and state legislators.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A people-powered movement to end the student debt crisis.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Student Debt Crisis working directly with borrowers to help them navigate the bewildering and frustrating loan repayment system - and two, advocating for lasting and meaningful change through advocacy work and the lobbying of national and state legislators.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In the spirit of coalition and resource sharing, NYC arts and cultural organizations of all sizes and structures continue to come together to grow a joint Cultural Solidarity Fund that provides $500 relief microgrants to NYC artists and cultural workers. To date, more than 200 organizations and individuals have come together to raise $125,000. We received an overwhelming 2,722 applications with 56% of applicants expressing dire need for food and housing funds, far outpacing the current funds available.

W e were able to fund 9% of applicants and our new goal is to raise $300,000 by May 15th, in order to fund all priority applicants.

We will not be re-opening applications at this time, and we are focusing our efforts in funding as many applicants we have received as possible.

Your participation and sponsorship will have a great impact!

Sponsor a grant as an organization or an individual today.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In the spirit of coalition and resource sharing, NYC arts and cultural organizations of all sizes and structures continue to come together to grow a joint Cultural Solidarity Fund that provides $500 relief microgrants to NYC artists and cultural workers. To date, more than 200 organizations and individuals have come together to raise $125,000.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Chicago theater artists can't go back to the way things were before the novel coronavirus. From pay discrepancies, unsafe working conditions and monolithic artistic leaders, it's not just Chicago artists calling for change.

In response to social unrest earlier this summer, BIPOC theater-makers founded a nationwide collective called We See You White American Theater, highlighting the daily racism they say they face in the industry.

We asked Chicago theater artists what changes they would like to see at theaters. Here's what they replied over email. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

"I'd like to see more folks put their egos aside and embrace workshopping new producing models for Chicago storefront non-Equity theater and working together in partnership. I'd like to see less burn-out culture and more helping each other out when we sense one of us is not doing well. I'd like to see real progress towards fighting racism and anti-Blackness in our city through what is onstage, who is hired, who we are reaching out to to see itand who is making the decisions behind it."

"I'd like to see Chicago theaters prioritize two things: a minimum wage for all workers, and a more expansive sense of Chicago's geography.

It isn't enough to diversify the work on stage, we also need to be collectively working to make theater a viable part of the economy in neighborhoods across the city, to create networks of opportunities for all of Chicago's artists."

"I would like to see theaters realize the inequity in pay and tech support for costume designers. I have worked in Chicago for over 25 years. Even in storefront theater, I have seen the set designer receive more support and more pay. Even if all the designers are paid the same the costume designer is expected to do the makeup and wigs, manage the budget, hire any costume assistance, shop the show, do all the alterations, build the show, pull rental costumes, come back for maintenance after the show opens. Meanwhile the set designer has someone to build the set and manage the build (technical director), paint the set (scenic artist), shop and acquire the props and furniture (prop designer). That being said, since costume designers are expected to do everything, they cannot stack jobs like other designer can, so they make less money. How do we change this? Producers and costume artists should know what it takes to realize a costume from the page to the stage.

The other important thing I would like to see is a more inclusive, diverse theater community. Chicago theater should look like Chicago. So much of getting your foot in the door depends on your ability to work for free or low pay. Of course this is going to affect the BIPOC community the most. They don't have the same opportunities and economic advantages as white artists. Theaters have apprenticeships and internships where you are not paid. Some theaters have young artists pay to work for them. What other industry does this?"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
14 Chicago theater artists share the changes they want to see in a more inclusive Chicago theater

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Chicago theater artists can't go back to the way things were before the novel coronavirus. From pay discrepancies, unsafe working conditions and monolithic artistic leaders, it's not just Chicago artists calling for change. In response to social unrest earlier this summer, BIPOC theater-makers founded a nationwide collective called We See You White American Theater, highlighting the daily racism they say they face in the industry.

# data[].attributes.headline
call for Pay Equity Now for Costume Design at Costume Guild Awards

# data[].attributes.subject
call for Pay Equity Now for Costume Design at Costume Guild Awards

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Costume designers are no strangers to making a statement, which they accomplished once more in their calls for pay parity at the Costume Designers Guild Awards on Tuesday night.

Attendees at the 22nd annual ceremony were greeted, upon entry, with paddles on their seats calling for "Pay Equity Now." In a speech during the ceremony, Guild president Salvador Perez added, "The issue of pay equality is something we know everyone in this room supports. Last year I was so happy to see you raising your fans so I ask you to raise your fans again this year. Time is up. Pay equity now." As the lights came up, the entire room waved their fans. Also during the ceremony, director Adam McKay ( The Big Short) said "to pay equity, let's do it," at the end of his acceptance speech.

This is the second consecutive ceremony that the CDG has equipped attendees with the signs, which were reminiscent of auction paddles: In 2019, guild vice president Catherine Adair addressed pay inequality in a speech: "Tonight is indeed about celebration, but it is also about the hard work we do, and in particular the issue of pay inequality as compared to our closest creative peers," Adair said. "I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that the CDG is 85 percent women. I don't know about you, and I don't know about your watch, but mine says 'Time's up.'" Award winner Betty Pecha Madden, who was honored with the Distinguished Service Award, also called for pay parity in her time at the podium.

The Costume Designers Guild is gearing up to renegotiate its contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) in 2021, when the union plans on arguing that the minimum rates of workers it represents are low compared with those of unionized industry artists working in mediums not dominated by women, as costume design is. The CDG will argue production designers (unionized with the Art Directors Guild) produce similar work to that of costume designers and yet have higher rates, and will argue that the setup is illegal under California's Fair Pay Act.

Negotiations for the 2021 AMPTP contract will take place in Feb. 2021. The CDG's current contract expires in June 2021.

Gender pay parity, an issue that flared when salaries were revealed during the 2014 Sony Pictures hack and again during the start of the #MeToo movement, has reentered the news cycle as the result of the hashtag #NotWorthLess, sparked by Crazy Rich Asians writer Adele Lim's decision last year to leave the film's sequel due to unequal pay.

Local 871 from the craft union IATSE, too, is campaigning for pay parity with its #ReelEquity initiative calling for the industry to end the gender wage gap. A study released by Local 871 in 2018 found that workers in majority-female crafts, including production coordinators, assistant production coordinators, art department coordinators and script supervisors "are paid hundreds or even thousands of dollars per week less than counterparts in comparable male-dominated crafts, even though California's Fair Pay Act generally requires equal pay for men and women performing substantially similar work and federal law bars gender discrimination in pay."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Costume Designers Call for "Pay Equity Now" at Guild Awards

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Costume designers are no strangers to making a statement, which they accomplished once more in their calls for pay parity at the Costume Designers Guild Awards on Tuesday night. Attendees at the 22nd annual ceremony were greeted, upon entry, with paddles on their seats calling for "Pay Equity Now."

# data[].attributes.body
Instagram page for On Our Team

# data[].attributes.body
Started 2 years ago by Elsa Hiltner Christine Pascual Bob Kuhn Theresa Ham

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

# data[].attributes.body
They are unsafe, unhealthy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This site has been assembled to show through both
statistical data and personal testimonies that this way of working is not only outdated, it's unsustainable and unethical. It's particularly harmful to BIPOC artists, disabled artists, as well as artist caregivers trying to grow their families. By continuing to uphold this structure, we are literally forcing people out of this field as well as barring entry to the next generation of workers who can bring new life to it.

We invite you to learn from the information on this site, learn how you can affect change by signing our petition, and most importantly, please leave your own testimony of your experiences with these work practices. We are collecting this data anonymously so that we can provide the entire theatre community with the information needed to learn why and how these changes must be made now.

In addition, we are leading free public information seminars based on our work, which you can sign up for as well as view recordings of past seminars.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
NO MORE 10 out of 12s - They're unsafe, unhealthy and unethical. It's time for change.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This site has been assembled to show through both statistical data and personal testimonies that this way of working is not only outdated, it's unsustainable and unethical. It's particularly harmful to BIPOC artists, disabled artists, as well as artist caregivers trying to grow their families.

# data[].attributes.body
End unpaid Arts internships

# data[].attributes.headline
Article: Call for Equal Support in Theatrical Design

# data[].attributes.subject
Article: Call for Equal Support in Theatrical Design

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Call for Equal Support in Theatrical Design

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Elsa HiltnerChicago-based costume designer, textile designer, and wardrobe stylist Elsa Hiltner considers the division of labor and allocation of technical support within theatrical design.