episode 1: Artist
How does one decide she or he is an artist? For some, it is a natural progression from a creative and expressive childhood, while for others it is a deliberate decision to pursue one’s passion, regardless of the risks. Identifying as an artist is a personal decision, and what that identity means is unique to each individual.
View all EpisodesFeatured in this Episode
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Thomas Bradshaw
Playwright ?
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Brian Rogers
Artistic Director, The Chocolate Factory ?
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Sheila Lewandowski
Executive Director, The Chocolate Factory ?
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Jen Abrams
Choreographer and Co-Founder, OurGoods.org ?
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Caroline Woolard
Artist and Co-Founder, OurGoods.org ?
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Miguel Gutierrez
Dance Artist ?
Resources:
News
How technology can be used in the arts as a marketing strategy to diversify audiences.
Whither the Political Theatre?An article from Culturebot.org about whether, these days, theatre is failing to be politically active.
A recorded interview by the Association for Theatre in Higher Education with African American playwright Suzan-Lori Parks.
Black Theatre is Blighted by its Ghetto MentalityAn article in the Evening Standard by Lindsay Johns discussing whether black theatre in Britain needs to diversity itself.
‘Can We Tell It Like It Really Happened?’: On Race and ‘The Scottsboro Boys’Reflections on the racial politics of the Broadway play “The Scottsboro Boys,” which closed in December 2010 amidst protests and low box office numbers.
A Free Man of Color’s Jeffrey Wright on Why Some White Playwrights Have Trouble Tackling RaceA New York Magazine interview with actor Jeffrey Wright on addressing racial issues in theatre, and his latest role in ‘A Free Man of Color.’
Is theatre run by posh people for posh people?From The Guardian blog, a look at a heated conversation taking place in the blogosphere on class and contemporary theatre.
Mexican? American? Call Her WriterTanya Saracho’s success writing plays about Latino culture has earned her acclaim and opportunities to explore wider themes for more diverse audiences.
New Gay Theatre is more about love stories than politicsNew York Times article on how new plays feature gay characters and relationships, but avoid social politics.
Bohemian Soul Mates in ObscurityReview of Patti Smith’s memoir "Just Kids" – the story of Smith’s early years as an artist and her relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe.
Taking Her Art Seriously, Not HerselfJudi Dench’s new autobiography "and furthermore" discusses the actress’ longevity and dedication to her craft.
Black? White? Asian? More Young Americans Choose All of the AboveFrom the New York Times RACE REMIXED series: a rise in a multiracial identity among young Americans.
Black and White and Married in the Deep South: A Shifting ImageFrom the New York Times RACE REMIXED series: a increase in interracial couples and mixed-race families living in the Deep South.
Counting by Race Can Throw Off Some NumbersFrom the New York Times RACE REMIXED series: difficulty and inconsistency in using race to determine funding and resources.
Is Theatre Elitist?A blog in the Guardian about whether experimental theatre is failing to appeal to 'regular' people.
Theatre, cultural identity and the criticCultural identity, funding, and the role of the critic in Welsh theatre.
Should theatre critics be more diverse?From the Guardian blog, a new initiative in England to create more diversity among theatre critics.
Organizations
Professional dance company and school in New York City. Ballet Hispanico showcases the work of Hispanic choreographers, performs Hispanic dance, and educates and trains young people in its own school and the NYC public schools.
viBe theatre experienceviBe Theater Experience (viBe) is a non-profit performing arts/education organization that empowers teenage girls through the creation and production of original performances.
BRAVA! Theatre is a multicultural, feminist performing arts center located in San Fransisco.
Guerilla GirlsFeminist activists and artists who use performance and culture jamming to advocate for the equality of women and people of color in the arts.
League of Professional Theatre WomenA not-for-profit organization that seeks to promote visibility and increase opportunities for women in theatre.
New GeorgesAn award winning downtown venue producing plays by women.
Split BritchesSplit Britches is a Lesbian Feminist Theatre Company. Since 1980 they have 'transformed the landscape of queer performance with their vaudevillian satirical gender-bending performance.'
WOW CafeNYC based WOW Cafe started as an international women's theatre festival in 1980 and continues to produce performances written and directed by women.
NYC up and OUT!A resource for GLBT arts and culture events in New York City.
Asian American Arts AllianceSupport and funding for Asian American artists in New York City.
Asian American Arts CentreNew York City based organization that promotes and documents Asian American arts through education, archiving, and exhibitions.
Ma-Yi Theatre CompanyThe Ma-Yi Theatre Company produces new work by Asian American playwrights.
National Asian American Theatre CompanyNAATCO produces work by Asian-American playwrights, and work featuring predominately Asian-American casts.
American Indian Arts Inc.New York City based AMERINDA supports American Indian visual, performing and literary artists.
Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Education CenterClemente Soto Velez is a Latino and Puerto Rican cultural arts center on Lower East Side. They are home to sixteen performing arts and educational groups -- including multiple theatre and dance companies.
National Alliance of Latino Arts and CultureBased in San Antonio, TX, The National Alliance of Latino Arts and Culture is an advocacy organization for Latino artists.
Repertorio EspanolNew York City based Repertorio Espanol produces plays in Spanish from Latin American, Spanish and Hispanic-American playwrights.
Alvin Ailey DanceAlvin Ailey is a professional modern dance company and school in New York City. They are internationally renowned and maintain a special focus on African-American dance expression.
Blackout Arts CollectiveWith seven chapters nation-wide, the Blackout Arts Collective works to empower communities of color through the arts.
Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance (BAAD!)BAAD! is a workshop and performance space located in the South Bronx. It highlights new work by a diverse group of artists and performers.
The PointThe Point is a Community Center in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx. They have extensive performing arts programming for youth -- including classes in theatre, dance and circus arts.
Los Angeles Poverty DepartmentSince 1985 the Los Angeles Poverty Department has been creating performances about the experiences of people living in poverty in Los Angeles’ Skid Row.
QuestFestA theatre festival in Washington D.C. that presents the best in international visual theatre.
Research
A discussion of diversity from 20 leaders across the field of theatre.
National Guidance Research FormA selection of data on representation of individuals working in the arts, including the performing arts.
An interactive online resource on the artists and history of the Harlem Renaissance. Great for use in the classroom.
Report on the Status of Women: A Limited Engagement?A report on the status of women in theatre based on a three-year study from the Theatre Program of the New York State Council on the Arts. Statistic, historical, anecdotal, and analytical data, plus recommendations for how to support women in the field.
Season 2 Episode Feedback
Post a commentWhat did you think about the episodes?
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Pete McCabe said:
“in creating art one get’s the benefit of being looked at, but also the responsability of telling the truth” Someone much smarter than me said that.
In the short story Hellscreen, it shows what someone is willing to do to tell that truth as he sees it. It ends up killing him. I don’t think you have to die to tell the truth, but its personal toll can have ramifications far beyond one’s expectations; even to the disolution of the self. Creating art is about more than not being paid well. What “truth” is… is seemingly undefinable. -
Gabriela Poma said:
Am just getting through the new videos. Wonderful and so inspiring. This angle: the daily life of an artist. No one gets to see the difficulty, the hard work, they things given up for art. And to get a glimpse at the intimate parts of their lives is such a privilege.
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laura peterson said:
About labels and identity: Young Jean Lee’s comment was really gratifying and made me think that a label can be something one earns. It can reflect an amount of discipline and focus in one’s work that leads to a title. Playwright. Choreographer. Whatever it is, which is not to say that it cannot be a blend or a new term, but that it can have weight and purpose and structure.
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Soon-Young Yoon said:
Love the trailer for the madehere project. Looking forward to more…so important a contribution to history.
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Cheri Magid said:
I have been loading up on watching made here and am totally addicted. It’s so reassuring to hear others talk of the same things that you deal with and encouraging to see the ways different people live as artists.
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Alex Zafiris said:
I watched the latest Made Here series. I love the new categorization themes—identity, labels… such a great idea.
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Ximena said:
I don’t see myself as"exploiting myself because I accept low pay or nor pay” My set of values in relationship with my art lies in other places far away from the values applied to the basic needs I must attend as an individual in this society.
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Howardleaten said:
well trevor here is there contact info , they have 15% discount now, mention Howard give you there number
your stories:
Share your story- Do you consider yourself an artist? If so, how important is that identity to you?
- Have labels helped you define who you are? Do you feel limited by the labels others assign to you?
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From Susan Kirschbaum:
Fiction writer and journalist Susan Kirschbaum answers the question: “Are people encouraged to be artists in our society?”
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From John Bielecki:
Dancer John Bielecki answers the question: “Are people encouraged to be artists in our society?”
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From Claude Grunitzky:
Journalist entrepreneur Claude Grunitzky discusses the role of artists in our society.
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From Ceallaigh Pender:
Ceallaigh Pender works in sculpture and other visual and performing arts. She answers the question: “Are people encouraged to be artists in our society?”
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From Tanya Minhas:
Children clothing designer Tanya Minhas answers the question “Are artists supported in our society?”
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From Lynn Lobell:
Lynn Lobell is the Managing Director of the Queens Council on the Arts. Here she discusses artist identity and institutional support.
