Cart 0
Exhibitions Public Programs Residency Banners Project
Futures Fund Studios Publications
March Laboratory for Suburbia Monaco
Cart 0
Mutual Futures Fund
 
 

 We take the concept of an art ecosystem seriously: that we do not survive unless others survive. That is what fueled The Luminary’s creation of the Mutual Futures Fund -- a dedicated grant for at-risk artist projects and spaces, coops, DIY spaces, small nonprofits and art collectives. The fund, which was made possible through the generosity of a handful of visionary individuals and foundations, is meant to ensure that the ecosystem of vibrant art spaces in our region continue past this present crisis brought on by COVID-19 and its ongoing impact on the arts.

 
 
 

about

As an extension of our Futures Fund Regranting Program, The Luminary is initiating the Mutual Futures Fund - a dedicated grant for at-risk artist projects and spaces, coops, DIY spaces, small nonprofits and art collectives. The fund is meant to ensure that the ecosystem of vibrant art spaces in our region continue past this present crisis brought on by COVID-19 and its ongoing impact on the arts.

 

Both locally and nationally, funding for the arts has been suddenly and dramatically decreased. A statement by the Americans for the Arts early in the shutdown speculated that as many as 20% of art organizations will not reopen after our present pandemic. It is likely that these unprecedented closures will affect the most vulnerable first: artist-run spaces running on volunteer staff, DIY venues, coops supported by members’ other incomes, and QTPOC+ run spaces that are already barely able to survive.

One of The Luminary’s foundational visions is that the art institution is never singular: we are dependent on one another, with porous borders and communal purpose. Several years ago, we organized a program on “Commoning the Institution” that invited artists and curators to reimagine the organization as multiple. We proposed that the organization is a commons that is shared among many voices and responsive to its numerous publics. As with all of our projects, we hope that this work doesn’t just point to the problems we see, but offers meaningful models and, humbly, some solutions.

The funding cuts in our region and nation affect us as well: The Luminary’s grants have been cut up to 75% in some cases, rental income and numerous funding opportunities have disappeared, and more losses are likely as this crisis extends and structural failures in our field deepen. However, we believe other at-risk art spaces are also part of this larger cultural commons. With this wider view, those numerous spaces support many more artists, shelter divergent voices, push new boundaries, and connect with other publics that we may not reach.

We take the concept of an art ecosystem seriously: that we do not survive unless others survive. We see this in nature. We know it in organizing work. We know it as neighbors. We believe that we also know it through art, and its multiplicity of organizations, collectives, and expressions that form our immediate art worlds. Our survival is not enough if our neighbors in this larger commons are unable to make it through this time. This fund is meant as an initial step to ensuring our mutual future(s), and continued flourishing.

 
 
White Background.png
 
past Recipients
 

ArtHouse
Flood Plain
Freedom Arts and Education Center
Granite City Art and Design District
Griot Museum of Black History
Latinx Arts Network
MARSH
Monaco
New Music Circle
Paul Artspace
Urb Arts
Yeyo Arts Collective

 
 

Initial recipients were drawn from our wider network of collaborators and like-minded organizations that each invest in distinct publics, places, and imaginaries in our region. They range from unincorporated collectives and fiscally sponsored projects to both non-profit and for-profit models. Throughout 2020, recipients have invested in food shares and mutual aid initiatives to digital commissions and responsive organizing efforts. These funds are unrestricted and may be used for new projects or staff support; daily space needs or just survival.

This fund is made possible through the generosity of a few individuals and foundations who have supported it to date, and we hope to grow it through continued contributions of all kinds. Any funds raised go directly to the fund as our administration is supported through the generosity of the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Regional Regranting Program, which has also funded our Futures Fund Emergency Artist Relief Efforts.