Art$Pay invests in a vibrant community
“I do it because I can, and because I have hope,” says Cathy Farwell, visual artist and the driving force behind Art$Pay, a non-profit that educates artists and citizens alike on the value of creative work. We chatted with Farwell to get a sense of how Art$Pay came to be, and the kind of impact it’s having in Kitchener.
MIK: Let’s start with the basics, what is the gist of Art$Pay and how it operates?
CF: Art$Pay is a new not-for-profit project to promote the local visual arts sector, focusing on employment, marketing, education, professional development and public awareness. The website is the place to find local art in studios, neighbourhoods, galleries or exhibitions.
For the first time in our area there’s a place to post a job, find a job and other income-generating opportunities for this sector. Artists can find information about fair fees and art prices, planning guides, models and everything needed to do business together more successfully.
MIK: Tell me about your path to launching Art$Pay.
CF: One of my first careers was as a stay-at-home mom; when my youngest went to school full-time my husband encouraged me to go back school, but as a fine arts student. I applied to Fine Arts at the University of Waterloo, took courses part-time over eight years then rented studio space in the Boehmer Box Building on Duke St. I was all set to begin my arts practice only to discover that there were very limited local opportunities for emerging artists to exhibit or sell work.
Feeling isolated in my studio after the synergy and collaboration of the university setting, I started the Artist Critique Group in 2008, and from that group, the BOX Art Show & Sale was born. It was totally volunteer-run and after five years we were ready to move on to other things.
A problem solver by nature, I decided to put to use the BOX reputation and the enormous network. This led to almost three years of informal consultation across the region with over 70 organizations and individuals connected with the visual arts, asking about problems and potential solutions.
MIK: And how did Art$Pay emerge?
CF: The design of Art$Pay is a reflection of that valuable feedback! The public expressed a lot of confusion about art value and production standards, artwork pricing, the need for the development of good business practices and professionalism in this arts sector.
MIK: Why is Art$Pay important to both artists and a thriving community?
CF: Time and time again reference is made to the importance of developing a vibrant community to attract and retain talent. There are so many talented artists, curators and other visual arts practitioners living here, but many have left for greener pastures because they can’t make a decent living in the arts in this region.
Original art matters, makes a difference in a city, and not everyone gets that. A vibrant arts and culture scene provides a dynamic creative context which fosters similar thinking in other sectors.
MIK: Why are you involved, what motivates you about Art$Pay?
CF: I’m also a visual artist and my practice is based on experimentation and problem-solving. I do this work because I can, and because I hope. I think that if I can help make life better here for talented artists, my community will be a better place to live. I really believe that, and see this initiative as being mutually beneficial.
MIK: Why does Art$Pay make sense in Kitchener and how does it fit into the community?
CF: Kitchener is just humming with energy and change!
With a focus on economic development and growth, there are lots of new businesses and start-ups. There is tons of local talent that can provide art to buy or rent, and also help to brand a business, colours, create a welcoming and inspirational environment.
The City of Kitchener totally understands the importance of the contribution made by original art and artists, and truly helps initiatives like BOX and Art$Pay in meaningful ways.
MIK: What's coming up for Art$Pay? Any new developments or goals for the future?
CF: In four short months since launch, over 60 visual arts practitioners listed with Art$Pay, and that number continues to grow. Art$Pay is open and ready for business!
The focus now will shift to building the project out, establishing more connections and mutually beneficial relationships to make Art$Pay a household word!
MIK: Is there anything else you think is really important to the story that should be highlighted?
CF: Art$Pay is a grassroots movement, a not-for-profit initiative, and is purposefully designed to grow and evolve based on others’ involvement, feedback and changing community needs.