One of NEMAA’s core principles is that the path of a professional artist should be open to anyone, regardless of race, age, gender, or socioeconomic background. We recognize that various barriers exist to becoming an artist and maintaining an artistic practice, including:
- A lack of role models, mentors, and community,
- Limited funds to invest in supplies, equipment, space to work, and marketing,
- A lack of education about business skills, including marketing, budgeting, taxes, contracts, etc.
The Forward Fund allows NEMAA to address these barriers by providing free memberships for student artists, and half-priced memberships for emerging artists. Currently, student and emerging artists make up 38.5% of NEMAA artist members. All artists receive the same benefits as individual artist members, including:
- A profile in NEMAA’s Art-A-Whirl print directory and year-round online directory.
- The option to create an individual online shop with products included in NEMAA’s online shop.
- Participation in Art-A-Whirl with print & digital map inclusion and access to a list of host sites for members without studio space.
- Member news and events posted and shared on NEMAA’s website, Audience e-newsletter, and social media channels.
- Subscription to NEMAA’s Member e-newsletter with NEMAA news and a round-up of active calls for art.
- Discounts averaging 20% on advertising with local media partners, including MPLSART.COM, Minnesota Public Radio, and the Star Tribune.
Land Acknowledgment and Reparations
NEMAA is based on Dakota makoce, the homeland of the Dakota people. As a way to honor the Dakota people who continue to live, work, and create in Minnesota, NEMAA offers free memberships to all Dakota and Native artists.
Forward Fund Contributors
At the grass-roots level, the Forward Fund is supported in part by contributions from NEMAA member artists, galleries, and businesses in addition to their member dues. Forward Fund contributors choose to create opportunities for advancement for other artists, strengthening our community with mutual support.
Help NEMAA grow the Forward Fund by donating today!
Your donation is tax-deductible, and for a limited time, when you contribute to the Forward Fund, you will receive special thank-you gifts from NEMAA. Give $250, and receive all three gifts!
NEMAA T-Shirt — yours with a Forward Fund donation of $50+
Limited Edition “Thirty Years of Art-A-Whirl” Mug, made in NE by Avail Ceramics — yours with a Forward Fund donation of $100+
NEMAA Hoodie — yours with a Forward Fund donation of $250+
Sponsors
