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?
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 in terms of contributing to a cultural ecosystem that can sustain artist exposure and/or 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.
And 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 market exposure to people from other scenes or an evolution into something different all together.
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 media talent local to the area, creating work that lasts far beyond the show itself. But if our approach to administer the crafting and release of this work doesn’t help any of these dedicated artists get 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 performances, the time spent by everyone involved to organize, craft, learn, upload, tag, share, pimp… 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, with a cover band and club culture, featuring a great participatory film festival in The 48 Hour Film Project that is underexposed to say the least.
So we put on our shows for free, allowing people to experience new, local talent 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 and easy to find online.
In the age of Google, discovery is key.
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 — both from a personal & 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 cross-over 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?
