2021-616-E-Arts Commission-BASEMENT Art Space-Restart the Arts

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to produce in-person and v irtual programs. W e hav e also contributed personal funds to cov er BASEMENT expenses towards our goal of promoting and supporting exceptional artists to culturally enrich our local and regional communities.The artist-curators’ numerous responsibilities---beyond curation and ev ent planning--- include bi- monthly team meetings and studio v isits with prospectiv e artists. To publicize our programs we perform ongoing tasks such as formatting and editing BASEMENT’s website, designing promotional materials, and constructing social media announcements and newsletters. W e perform all physical labors to mount our in-person exhibitions including, but not limited to: wall repair, painting, building walls, platforms, and projection screens, lighting, electronic equipment setup, and local artwork transportation. Additionally, BASEMENT members perform administrativ e duties, document exhibitions, and write contracts and grant applications. W e are grateful to hav e receiv ed two OCAC Artist Project Grants. In addition to underwriting costs of materials and equipment, the grants prov ided stipends to our digital residents and exhibiting artists. W e believ e in financially supporting the professional artists who exhibit on our platforms, a goal made urgent during the pandemic when many artists lost income sources such as teaching positions and exhibition opportunities. Our recently awarded 2021-22 Artist Project Grant enables us to continue our 2021-22 planned projects including Studio Snacks, Digital Residences, a collaboration with LEVEL Retreat, and an in- person group exhibition for Spring 2022. For the Restart the Arts grant, we request stipends for our BASEMENT team of $600 each ($3000 total), equalling a monthly stipend of $50. This is an opportunity to acknowledge the curators for the considerable time, effort, and personal funds donated to further our goal of showcasing to our community the breadth, div ersity, and excellence of artists with ties to the South. W e also request $600 to prov ide additional trav el assistance to neon artist Lily Reev es (showing in our Spring 2022 exhibition). Prior to the pandemic, Reev es liv ed and worked in Birmingham, Alabama, roughly 540 miles from Chapel Hill. BASEMENT allotted her $250 to fully cov er Reev es’ transportation and installation costs. Due to the pandemic, Reev es closed her gallery and relocated to Arizona (2150 miles from Chapel Hill) to be closer to a support system for neon- artists. Although at this increased distance we can no longer cov er her entire artwork transportations costs, BASEMENT hopes to contribute half the cost. Lastly, we request $400 to hire a local photographer to document in- person exhibitions. Today, most artwork and exhibitions are seen digitally. Not only a tool for archiv al and promotional purposes, but professional documentation assists artists in receiv ing grants, residencies, and professional opportunities. Our request benefits BASEMENT archiv es, the exhibiting artists’ portfolios, and supports a professional photographer within our community. DocuSign Envelope ID: B028461D-0E0E-4A6F-813C-EBF4CEE2496B