From City Halls to Home Studios: How Artists and Cities Are Creating Sustainable Paths
Hey Creative Bestie!
In a time where traditional funding sources for the arts are becoming increasingly unpredictable, indie creators across the country are discovering innovative ways to sustain their work. Just this year, Fulton County slashed its arts budget by a staggering 56%, and with similar cuts happening nationwide, creative communities are responding not with defeat but with remarkable resilience. From Memphis establishing a city-funded Office of Creative and Cultural Economy (with $500,000 in private philanthropy for its first year) to artists developing complementary skills that support both their creativity and financial stability, we're witnessing a powerful shift toward more sustainable approaches.
NEW EPISODE: "How Are Artists and Governments Reimagining Creative Support?"
Our latest episode of Could Be Pretty Cool News features DeMarcus Akeem Suggs, Director of Creative and Cultural Economy for the city of Memphis, and indie folk-rock artist Purser from Nashville. Together, they explore how artists and municipalities are finding new ways to build sustainable creative ecosystems.
Some key highlights from our conversations:
Memphis' innovative approach to arts funding through public-private partnerships
The importance of meaningful community engagement in cultural policy development
Purser's journey from isolation during the pandemic to building a sustainable career as an independent musician
The value of developing transferable skills that support both artistic practice and financial stability
How collaborative approaches to funding can challenge philanthropy to invest more significantly
Both guests emphasize that sustainable creative careers often take years of consistent effort, not overnight viral success.
Memphis Shows How Cities Can Champion the Arts
The city of Memphis has launched a groundbreaking Office of Creative and Cultural Economy, developed through collaboration between community advocates and responsive government leadership. Director DeMarcus Akeem Suggs is leading initiatives like an "Artist Bill of Rights" that acknowledges artists' rights to compensation, capital support, and a culture of care. The office aims to bolster the creative economy, retain and attract talent, and leverage arts to address critical community issues like youth development and public safety.
Their "Music 365" initiative plans to support live music every day of the week, investing directly in local artists while enhancing cultural life for residents. Refreshingly, the focus isn't primarily on tourism but on creating a hospitable environment where local artists can thrive.
Indie Artist Spotlight: Purser's Sustainable Path
Nashville-based folk-rock artist Purser shares how combining artistic practice with complementary day jobs can create a sustainable career path. Working in digital marketing for other musicians has given Purser valuable skills that transfer directly to promoting their own music independently.
Purser recently released the EP "Three Times" in March and has another EP, "Zero Sum," slated for release later this year. This productivity comes after years of building the right team and creative partnerships. "This year was like seven years in the making," Purser notes, highlighting how success often comes through consistent small steps rather than overnight fame.
Listen Here
Congratulations to Our Senior Producer! ⭐💃🏻
We'd like to congratulate our very own Senior Producer Liz Moore who will be competing as part of Savannah Dancing with the Stars, a fundraiser for Brightside Advocacy to benefit children in foster care on Friday, April 11th. We're so proud of you and love that you're using your creativity to make a difference! Click below if you want to support or cheer Liz on from home!
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Best of luck in all your endeavors!
Kacie Luaders | Founding Producer, Could Be Pretty Cool