More than 3 years into the great recession, artists are finding it harder and harder to make a living.
We know times are tough, but we do think the Assets for Artists program (now in its fourth year of operation with an innovative model to strengthen the financial capacity of working artists) is improving the odds of success for our grantees. To better understand how artists are benefitting today and how we can improve our services to them in the future, we’re recruiting Massachusetts artists in all disciplines to share some financial information that will help us evaluate the economic impact of our work.
If you’re a “low- to moderate-income” artist living anywhere in Massachusetts (and if you have NOT enrolled in the Assets for Artists matched savings program), you can contact us to determine if we have slots remaining in our “evaluation control group.” For taking the time to gather and send some financial data, we offer a $100 stipend. It should take no more than 20 minutes of your time to locate and send off the information. Participation in the study does not prevent you from possibly enrolling in the Assets for Artists matched savings program in 2012 or beyond (2012 application deadline yet to be announced). All information will be kept strictly CONFIDENTIAL and used only for evaluation purposes.
Eligibility for the study is based on household income: a 2-person household with adjusted gross income of no more than $50,000 (as documented on a federal tax return) will be eligible. The limit for larger households is an additional $5,000 per additional person, and the limit for a 1-person household is $45,000.
Massachusetts artists in any discipline who would like to discuss eligiblity for the study should contact Blair Benjamin at MASS MoCA by emailing assets4artists@gmail.com. The deadline is Monday, December 12, 2011. Only a few slots are available and will be granted first-come first-serve, so don’t wait until the last minute. Please share this information with other artists who might be eligible to help us strengthen the Assets for Artists program in the future.
ASSETS FOR ARTISTS IS MADE POSSIBLE WITH THE SUPPORT OF:
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