Explaining an Arts NonProfit

This is sometimes how the conversation goes ...

Octarium has many loyal supporters and this video does not represent any person in particular, but is, rather, a tongue-firmly-in-cheek amalgam of some of the more frustrating conversations I've had seeking donors.

If you would like to donate to Octarium, in an amount small or large, please visit http://www.octarium.org/help.html for ways to help.

www.octarium.org

Inspired by "You Should Take Voice Lessons" by www.marcyrichardson.com and "You Should Be On Broadway" by actorsonactors.

Copyright Notice:

Script: © 2010 Krista Lang Blackwood. All rights reserved.

Animation: Provided by Xtranormal.com

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• xtranormal
• arts
• nonprofit
• fundraising
• professional
• choral
• choir
• vocal ensemble
• voice
• non
• profit
• acapella
• chorus
• culture
• non-profit

[ViardotVSGrisi]

this clever sarcastic attitude may get you more friends on facebook, but its not going to get you far when you go out begging for money.

[TheOctarium]

@ViardotVSGrisi All portions of this video are tongue-in-cheek, including what the nonprofit arts promoter says. The video is intended to point out the frequent disconnect between arts nonprofits and their potential donors. It is in no way intended to be a usable script for soliciting donations.

[ViardotVSGrisi]

@TheOctarium I understand that this is the purpose, but we all know what's up with all of these videos. One party is trying to make the other one feel stupid. Its clever, but to a point. Im sure the other bear is just asking all of those questions to piss the other bear off. Things get hilarious if you look at it that way. I do hope they come up with a version with kittens...

[TheOctarium]

@ViardotVSGrisi Those aren't kittens?

My intent is not to make anyone feel stupid; my intent is to illustrate "the disjunct between the non-profit arts funding model and the general public's understanding of the economics involved in creating non-commerical art in this country," as Chloe Veltman so wisely put it in her blog "Lies Like Truth." The public doesn't understand what we do and we just keep repeating our mission and vision and not saying anything. It's a two-sided problem.

[yis2]

Thats such bullshit!! Making CD and recording cost are extremely LOW. They're produce in China, i know, i make CD's and the art work....

[TheOctarium]

@yis2 The actual costs of physically producing a CD are, in fact, low. But that does not include studio time and/or venue time (ie a church for a classical recording), mechanical and digital rights, the hours of engineering time mixing and, of course, paying the singers.

[divajc]

@CeciliaStKing Thank you, thank you, thank you. I thought I was the only musician who thought like this!

[CeciliaStKing]

Thank you for posting this tongue in cheek defense for the arts. As working artists, WE all need to support each other in NOT playing for free. Money is Energy. I'm constantly asked to perform for free. There is a value to what we do.

[grimview]

So you want high quality sound, inspiring backgrounds, and professional talent yet you use xtranormal to produce your video, rather then hire real talented animators, professional voice overs, or even upgrade to get kitten puppets. My animations don't have that either, but you could of recorded the signers with a cheap mic and merged with the xtranormal characters and it probably would of went viral allowing you join the partner program, and put the down the song on link.

[2ndcitycouncil]

As the founder of a small 11 year old nonprofit art and performance space, I loved this! As one of our Board members said, "It made me laugh and cry (well not really but you get the point) at the same time!"

[Xamata]

This is horrible lmao

[TerryGreiss]

I don't think it makes anyone look stupid. People are often oblivious to the real costs of producing a work of art. This is very apt, very funny and kind of necessary. Thanks.

[ramonlazotrio]

THIS is what has always been wrong with the music 'business'. Fans don't know that the stuff they listen to and enjoy costs money. BTW...TV show appearances by big acts often don't get paid. It's a promotional appearance that may or may not help them -- TV shows only work if fans come to the show and buy tickets and souvenirs.

[amward]

dear commenters for this video.

Please get a life.

Love,

Adam

P.S. This is brilliant, Octarium!

[ginaslittlejack]

They aren't kittens?  Dang it, fooled again.