artist-pay-project - the art rebellion

An illustration of items including a brush made up of dollars, ballet slipper, camera on a black background.

artist-pay-project

Artist $napshot: Chicago-based painter and designer

A recent college grad, this artist is navigating the Chicago arts scene while working part-time as a substitute teacher.

A few collaged images include a yellow camera, ballet slipper, and money bag

artist-pay-project

Artist $napshot: Chicago-based collage artist

This artist accumulated $100,000 in debt pursuing an MFA and a BA, and he's actively putting off repayment for as long as possible.

Colorful image with blue background and different images including yellow camera, pink ballet slipper and brown money ba

artist-pay-project

Artist $napshot: Chicago-based zine press operator and photographer

This artist is currently uninsured and has $2,000 in savings which they jokingly refer to as "root canal money."

artist-pay-project

Resource roundup: Your guide to fair pay in the arts

How organizations and policy reforms are paving the way for pay equity in the arts across the U.S.

3 dancers wearing blue shirts perform for an audience. Their arms are outstretched and they're in line.

artist-pay-project

How Chicago’s DanceChance is reimagining the artist grant

DanceChance offers choreographers the opportunity to win $4,500 via random draw. It’s part of a movement to democratize arts funding.

A close up image of a woman wearing glasses and a white jacket, holding two flash cards outside

artist-pay-project

The WPA-inspired, living wage program for artists offering much needed stability and support

Artists at Work is a workforce resilience program that has provided a salary and benefits to dozens of artists across the U.S. It’s part of a burgeoning movement to value and pay artists fairly.

A group of six dancers dressed in 1950s attire dramatically pose for a photo on stage.

artist-interviews

A Chicago dance company dedicated to community and collaboration

I talk to choreographer Stefany Cotton about the evolution of the Rooted Space and the needs of dance artists in the city.

A colorful, collaged image of mostly pinks and greens with animated characters

artist-interviews

How an Omaha art space is shaping the future of the city's scene

Brigitte McQueen launched the Union for Contemporary Art in 2011. Over 13 years, it's become an inclusive and welcoming space for local artists, and has left a lasting impact on Omaha.

Colorful graphic illustration with dollar signs, bills, ballet slipper

artist-pay-project

Artist $napshot: Charlottesville-based poet and spoken word artist

"If your name here doesn't have that MFA with it or behind it, then you're definitely not getting as many opportunities or even being respected as much."

Illustrated image featuring dollar bills, receipt, camera, and other arts items.

artist-pay-project

Artist $napshot: Austin-based dancer and choreographer

Less than 2% of this dancer's income comes from her art practice.

Layered, animated image with elements including ballet slipper, camera, dollars

artist-pay-project

Artist $napshot: LA-based painter and illustrator

"The strain being felt from stagnant wages and crushing debt feels like it's reaching a fever pitch for most low-middle income Americans and artists especially."

Graphic illustration depicting a paintbrush with dollars, ballet slipper, and other objects

artist-pay-project

Artist $napshot: Chicago-based painter and photographer

This artist is involved in the DIY scene and shares the importance of community in the arts.