Everything Under The Sun: Artist/Host Exchanges

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Artist/Host Exchanges

Some of the art works available at a recent fund-raiser.

What do you do if you're an artist and need that special place where you can create and express yourself? What if you're a home owner with some extra space? Say, if you're also part of an organization that is interested in having a workshop for teenagers interested in a specific medium?

Can these problems be solve? They can be if today's technology can provide an appropriate platform. LYDIA PARR, an artist herself, who lives in Flagstaff, AZ, came up with that solution. An online solution, it is a platform, known as NOMAD INTERNATIONAL ARTS RESIDENCY EXCHANGES, on which artists in search of artistic spaces can post what their skills and talents are and specify a geographic location in which they are interested by creating a profile. They can also present what they will provide their host in exchange for the space.

Those who have available room in a building or home can specify what is available and seek out specific types of artists. When they have a match, they can then make arrangements to formalize the deal. It's based on trade and crowd-sourcing. Artists receive a new location and space, where they don't have to worry about hotel fees, competing for arts residencies, or even fees to have you and your work considered. It's also away for artists who are just starting out to build up their resume of projects and works. The person with the space gains a learning experience, a workshop, lessons, a work of art, whatever the artist was willing to provide. That person can also observe the creative process, watching a creative piece emerge and then be completed.

The website does say that the site is still in beta testing. That means it's up and running. but it's also being revised on the fly, based on how people use it, what glitches are encountered, and the feedback provided by users. Artists can register and search by locations, after registering, and can also present their artistic genre, background, and desires for artistic space. Those with space available can search artists by medium, location desired, and services offered.

Artistic jewelry at an event to raise funds for the exchange.

In the end, "the goal is to foster the connection between people around creativity in ways that are fun and mutually beneficial." Who knew that as the internet evolved, it could provide this type of connectivity between artists and sponsors, who don't even have to be wealthy in order to have a one-to-one connection with an artist.