$napshot of a creative reuse space
$1,300 on rent, and all staff make $24 an hour — the cost of running a creative space.
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$napshot: Columbus-based creative reuse shop and community space
the art rebellion spoke with Wallis about what it actually takes to run a shop and community space — the costs, the challenges, and what makes it worth it.
Despair, hope, and art
As we approach the end of February, I can finally say it feels like a new year to me. 2026 has brought many questions and internal battles, and I’ve been struggling with the why of it all. The state of our world — rising authoritarianism, inequality, concurrent genocides, etc, etc,
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.
Back with a few updates
Last weekend, I had an amazing time as a vendor at Zine Fest Houston.
Reflections from Expo Chicago
Working a hospitality gig at an art fair paid me much more than writing an article about it.
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.
Sharing some new work
A behind the scenes look at the Artist Pay Project installation.
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."
$napshots from the installation
I’m wrapping up 2024 with a bang, the debut of Making It: $napshots from the Artist Pay Project, which opened last month at the University of Michigan.
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.
Artist Pay Project, the installation
I've been creating an immersive version of my reporting on artist pay.
newsletters
A radical approach to arts giving
DanceChance offers choreographers the opportunity to win $4,500 via random draw. It’s part of a movement to democratize arts funding.
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.
newsletters
A living wage program for artists offering stability and support
Sharing a new article about Artists at Work and a podcast episode I was recently featured in.
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.
newsletters
A conversation with the choreographer of a show I’m performing in
After rehearsal, Stefany Cotton talked to me about the evolution of the Rooted Space and the realities of running a small dance company in Chicago.
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.
In Omaha, an art space empowering local artists and fighting segregation
Sharing a story from guest writer Jonathan Orozco, a journalist and artist based in Omaha about the Union for Contemporary Art, an organization that has become a staple in the city’s small art scene.
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.
newsletters
Patrisse Cullors is building an art movement focused on healing
We chat about ongoing projects, the arts economy, the role of artists in social movements.
artist-interviews
Patrisse Cullors is building an art movement focused on healing
Watch our full interview with the Black Lives Matter co-founder on YouTube.
newsletters
A brief 2023 reflection
Thanks for following along this journey with me. 2023 was a year of experimentation.
artist-interviews
Palestinian embroidery for liberation
An interview with Wafa Ghnaim about how art can support the movement for Palestinian liberation.