Co-Creating Solidarity Economy Art

What:

The future economy we dream of is not a far away post-capitalist destination. It is happening all around us, and we already have the tools to live in the solidarity economy every day. Artists can play a role in inviting more people into these subterranean solutions, mutual aid magic moments, and pockets of people meeting each others’ basic needs beyond capitalism.

The solidarity economy takes on many shapes - co-ops, land trusts, timebanking, gifts from your neighbor - and it goes by many names - regenerative economy, mutual aid, the Just Transition and more. In this cohort, we will explore examples of the solidarity economy and how our art can serve to visualize these actualized ‘alternatives.’ 

This offering is intended for visual artists (two dimensional visual mediums),  interested in creating a piece that will be woven into an animated collage. Co-facilitators Ebony Gustave and Robin Bean Crane are working with the Creative Wildfire team to uplift their manifesto and engage artists around not ‘going back to normal.’ After some political education we will listen to stories from solidarity economy organizers bringing us into a moment in their project. You will be given guidelines and ingredients to create a visual response to these stories we have compiled. The cohort is a chance to practice a participatory art process, shifting from individual production to collective imagination. 

Every participant will receive a stipend of $75 after completing all three sessions as a symbol of gratitude for your gifts. You will have the option to work on your art piece on your own time in addition to our live co-creation session. 

Who:

This cohort is for two-dimensional visual artists (please note that ‘visual artist’ doesn't have to be your career, just come with curiosity and comfort creating a digital or scannable piece). Our cohort will be 13 people max and other applicants will be invited to contribute solidarity economy art to future compilations. We encourage all demographics to apply and QTBIPOC applicants will receive priority.

This cohort will be co-facilitated by Ebony Gustave and Robin Bean Crane working with the Creative Wildfire team.

When:

Please stay tuned for future cohorts.

Where:

Zoom link will be sent for online gatherings.

If you have any questions please email connect@cooperativejournalmedia.com

Please note that we both prioritize BIPOC applicants and hold space for BIPOC-only cohorts, though persons of all backgrounds are nonetheless encouraged to apply. Likewise, we strive to ensure that our facilitator pool is made up of various intersecting identities. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.