I often comment that there is not enough bold and vibrant gay art in San Diego to cover in this column on a weekly basis. I appreciate that there are annual events like the Art of Pride and smaller shows in a variety of local businesses from month to month. But it would be nice to have a regular supply of experimental, radical and engaging art that is for, by and about the broad diversity of queer life.
If you agree and you are an artist then you might want to consider putting a project idea together and applying to participate in one of two interesting events that have application/registration deadlines coming up.
The Creative Catalyst Fund program (CCF) is a grant for local artists organized by The San Diego Foundation. It was launched last year and it aims to support up to ten community-oriented projects that are artist driven, affiliating each artist with one of up to 25 participating non-profit agencies.
The non-profits involved range in focus from writing and photography to dance and music; they range in size from smaller agencies to the Museum of Contemporary Arts. The CCF program was a great success in 2012 and the funds available are considerable ($10,000-$20,000).
So if you are a painter or a choreographer or a poet at any stage in your career get busy and put a letter of intent together by the 26th of this month.
Have you ever heard of or attended the Edinburgh Fringe Festival? It is perhaps the most famous annual event that is all about the small and the experimental in the visual and the performing arts. It has become so established that nowadays significant arts acts and events are launched there.
Taking a leaf from the Edinburgh playbook some local arts movers and shakers have organized the inaugural San Diego International Fringe Festival. It will happen in early July in a mile radius in downtown San Diego and it looks like it will be a great opportunity for a whole lot of local artists to do whatever they want.
This is not an application-based event. Rather, it is a registration process so it seems to me anything and everything can participate and get some publicity. There are some up front administrative costs but at the same time if you have a show or performance that you would like to put together, you can charge what you like at the door and keep the profit. Whatever the case it is a great opportunity to get some visibility for what you do.
Check out both Web sites and see if your great gay art idea can find a home at either one of these local events. If so please make sure to let me know so that I can shine a spotlight on you by writing all about it!
