Photo by kazushi hirota
As we press forward, reaching out to local artists to put on our monthly show and craft/release media from past shows, we’re constantly running up against this undeniable catch 22 when we allow ourselves the time to stop and think about the big picture of what we’re doing.
Is it possible to nudge a culture into a sustainable existance if the majority population just doesn’t seem to care?
Ok, maybe that’s not fair.
Many people in this area do care about the creative culture here in Greensboro. That’s undeniable. But as far as people digesting original expression by contributing to a cultural ecosystem, one that can sustain artistic economic advancement?
Well, let’s just say that’s not the dominating MO of folks in this town. At least not as it is in Asheville or Chapell Hill or Austin or any number of highly creative, artistic and live music dominating scenes around the US. Supporting local artists — be it film, music, photography, painters — is rather low on the entertainment option totem pole for this vastly suburban, family oriented community.
Similarly, I’m sure a bunch of people within our various, nested creative communities don’t necessarily want their culture to change — whether that means new exposure to markets from other scenes or an evolution into something different all together. You know, even the most “artsy” person can be conservative in their liberalness at times.
But there are also a large number of creative folk here in town who want, no need to make some kind of a living from their work. Not make it big, mind you; most would be happy to offset the dedicated hours it takes to work their craft. In the end, that notion is at the core of what we consider the dotmatrix project to be all about.
Yes, we’re documenting the local music scene with talent local to the area, creating work that lasts far beyond the show itself and building community in the process. But if our approach to administer the crafting and release of this work doesn’t help any of these dedicated artists get new exposure to venues, clients, commissioned work, then, IMO, we’re not doing what we need to be doing.
All the photographs, the music videos, the albums, the performances, the time spent by everyone involved to organize, craft, learn, upload, tag, share… the way we envisioned it was that we were all investing in the potential of creating a more vibrant creative culture here in what historically has been considered a Mill Town with “a central location to the shore and mountains.” A town whose “popular” music history has been steeped in a cover band and club culture due to the college markets, where most kids have yet to form a critical ear and are all too happy to meet kids of the opposite sex while dancing to a bad rendition of a Van Halen tune.
So we put on our shows for free, allowing people to experience local talent — new and old, across many genres — at no cost to them. Call it seeding the population if you will. Our media is also free (except for the Amie Street releases that pays the artists directly) and is chock full of creator attribution making it easy to find online.
In the age of Google, discovery is key. Discovering talent. Discovering Greensboro.
Locally, we’re working with establishments like Carousel Cinemas, Thai Pan, Simple Kneads & The Green Bean to cross promote the shows and the media, with screenings and exhibits. We’re also teaming up with local radio DJ’s, such as Josh Neas, Chris Roulhac & Lisa Dames, who have graciously offered to interview performers just before DMP shows. Local bloggers and social media participants constantly point to our work and some have even worked our media and show schedule into their daily publishing approach online, which is huge and greatly appreciated.
All of these decisions and relationships have sprung from a sincere desire of everyone involved to to see what we’re doing succeed because it affects each of us — from a personal, community and often a businesses perspective — in a positive manner.
Halfway through our second year doing this, I can honestly say that I’ve seen our community of artists, media makers and fans of local music crossover more than I ever imagined possible. At any given show, members of more than five past bands represent in the audience, as do past photogs who show up and shoot unsolicited. I’m also getting to know fans of local music, as they’ve become a staple at shows, which feels great.
Within our own new found community, the people are amped and participating. New Greensboro, as my friend Matty Sheets has coined the collective, yet unorganized local movement of DMP, Monkeywhale, Giant Invisible Cyclops, Focal Points, Lyndon Street Artworks, etc., is beginning to take hold with the folks already in the know.
So I guess we do have the people.
The real question is how far can we take this?
“The real question is how far can we take this?”
I think we can take this very far. The music industry is due for a change. With major labels struggling to hold on, and with the multitude of bands able to get exposure through the internet, the industry needs to and will change. I believe that music and art will see the same switch that the newspaper industry is seeing.
With newspapers, you can get all of the national news that you want on the internet. However, the papers that are surviving are the ones covering local news. It’s more personalized and you can’t find out what’s going on in your backyard at digg.com
Thus with groups like you guys, it will be easier for people to find their way into the local art scene.
Mad props to what you guys are doing.
Peace, Love and Choose Local Music,
-Ryan
Thanks for sharing this, Sean.
Until recently, I had regarded Greensboro as a mediocre place to live, owing to my perception that the city’s artistic community was barely visible. In comparison to other places I have lived and visited where creativity is an unmistakable part of the city’s vibe, it seemed like the arts in Greensboro were tucked away in a corner, accessible only to those in the know.
My perception of Greensboro is beginning to change however, thanks to the collective creative output of DMP, Monkeywhale and the others.
Certainly it may take some time for these efforts to reach critical mass. In the meantime, I’m grateful for the dedication to the effort to shine a light into those corners, inviting broader community participation in and appreciation of local creative endeavors.
I look forward to the day when this creative “feel” becomes part of the lure of New Greensboro.
@ryan – thanks. and right back at you with your work with choose local music. we need to get up soon.
@doug – your spirit of jumping in to a) participate as an artist and b) help spread the word is what makes these projects take form and move deeper into the public consciousness. thank you. i can’t wait to have you shooting another show, official or otherwise.