I don’t know how they do it. I would be deathly
afraid to do it. My thumb out, standing on a street,
hoping that randos (random people) give me a
ride in their car, without causing me any harm, so
that I can get to my desired destination.
Hitchhikers are both courageous and scary.
Then I think, oh wait a minute,
aren’t I doing the same thing on this road called
an art career??

I submit proposals for funding, exhibitions, and other art-related happenings, waiting for the institution to reply with an affirmative, hoping that I get to my desired destination, not knowing if the trip will return what I need or if I’ll be left off at a place just shy or no where close to my desired destination. The institution has control that I’m willfully giving them, to determine if I will get what I need from them. And even if they give me a ‘ride,’ it’s according to their path, their judgement; and once I’m in the ‘car’, I have to stay in there or jump out – knowing that if I jump out, I may not be where I need to be.

When it’s known that the institution of art is unjust in economic distribution, opportunity, and exposure, why is there so much control given to and upheld for the institution of art? How can artists create a solid unified front to confront and dismantle the monolithic injustice that creates ‘starving artists’ and ‘filthy rich execs’?? It’s the problem that all industries face in this capitalist, oppressive, infrastructure. I do believe that there are ways to continue combating the institution, it’s just a matter of full support and implementation across the board, from the artist to the legislative body of our country. I’m recently discovering that there have been Bills brought to Congress’ floor to establish laws that require royalties to be given to visual artists but nothing has passed. And it’s quiet…did you know about those Bills?

There have been artistic movements and/or actions that have made waves throughout the years to expose the unjust nature of the institution of arts like Group Material, Linda Goode Bryant’s JAM Gallery, and Art as Debtor. The actions of these individuals have made a lasting impression yet the situation persists. So, how do we shift this entirely … continuing the work and sharing info like W.A.G.E. (Working Artists and Greater Economy), and FARE Contract. Let’s be courageous for ourselves and the future generations. What are ways in which we can do this? Do you have any ideas or paths that you practice to make a change for the better?

Thank you Martin Luther King, Jr. for providing us viable pathways to freedom.