The truth is ...

The truth is: it is so hard.

To continue finding ways to make stuff happen.

The cynical part of me feels like this doesn’t make sense. To ask artists already losing work to keep supporting the arts.

The critical part of me understands that donations, and even grants, is not a long-term, self-sustainable model.

We are starting this fundraiser in case our grant application falls through. And if we do receive the grant, we will budget the funding towards a better system of reoccurring future projects.  

It’s a learning process of trial and error. And sometimes, error more than once. Again, I miscalculated the tricky timeline - writing grants and securing funds before/meanwhile confirming venues and pushing ahead with the work-plan. 

That’s why I want to keep learning, finding new ways and systems of creating opportunities for fellow artists. I’m hopeful the hands-on experience with established organizations through the GLP program will teach me a variety of tangible skills.

In the meantime, we still want to make this happen. Even if for now, just bringing a few extra meaningful moment of connection and artistic experience to the community.

Musicians have expressed both their optimism and exhaustion in face of the strain the pandemic has placed on the arts. I have observed a frustration and even apathy among friends. Many have stopped playing, recording, and streaming their music due to a lack of tangible engagement with their listeners. Particularly after these times when we are withheld the privilege to physically be together, the desire for making human connection, as sincerely and authentically as we can, is stronger than ever before.

As we begin to recover from COVID, I am advocating for the unique benefits of attending live concerts as safely as possible – in particular, the sense of community created by physically being together with the artist and fellow audience members, as well as the engagement with the artist and artistic creation in the experience of real-time.

A digitized artwork faces a variety of issues when attempting to communicate with its audience, particularly in the field of performing arts. The core and distinguishing element of live music is the collective experience of real-time. While literature, visual arts, film, and various other art mediums can be explored in the comfort, privacy, and freedom of the audience’s personal time, the exhilarating effect of live performances comes largely from the perception of time progressing together with the artist. The performer creates in the present moment a constantly evolving atmosphere using the cumulative and interplaying energy between themselves and that reciprocated by the audience. This active relationship develops and shapes the live performance in a powerful way that is difficult to recreate through digital means.

All that being said, the truth is: it is still so hard.

I forgot how much work it is to self-produce creative events. But in every moment of doubt and frustration, I remind myself it will take belief and courage to make this endeavour worthwhile.

So there's my little overdue COVID spiel, again - all to say (if you're still reading, what a terrible marketing strategy to go on such a long speech 😅...) - please help! I am terribly guilty myself for not taking action, for thinking to myself - someone else will do it. Now I remember, what a vulnerable feeling it is to ask for support in a fundraiser.

But regardless of the action or inaction, thank you for listening to our story.

💛

https://www.gofundme.com/song-of-praise-a-chinesecanadian-story