GIF by Rebecca Mock
These are not good times. None of Donald Trump’s bat-shit crazy ideas should ever see the light of day, much less take the form of executive orders (EO). But here we are, 12 days into his presidency and the chaos is taking root. Trump’s EO on visa bans effects 7 countries, approximately 90,000 people directly and innumerable more indirectly. His tariff plan to pay for a needless wall between the US and Mexico will cost Americans billions. And it’s already costing Mexicans—the peso is at a record low due to increased worries of Trump-led trade war.
None of this is beneficial to the country or the world, so we need to respond. There are many ways to do this, but here at AFC we’ve settled on a fairly direct approach. For the next year, we’re allocating $4,000 of our commissions budget to supporting artists, writers and cultural workers effected by Trump’s policies. If we’re able to raise more money for the program, we’ll increase that number.
This mandate is meant to be interpreted broadly. For example, if you’re an artist living in Mexico, where the peso has dropped precipitously due to fears of the Trump trade war, you qualify for support through our commissions program. We know that the US dollar goes much further in Mexico and we want to help.
If you’re stranded away from home, drop us a line. We’re seeking world-wide contributions from artists, writers, curators, and others affected by the travel ban who want to keep working. We’ll do what we can to support that effort, because what you do is now more important than ever.
This could be an IMG MGMT essay, a review of an exhibition or art fair in a city where you now have an unexpectedly long layover, or a personal narrative about how your life/practice has been affected by this fuckery. Stuck in an airport? Make something creative in the terminal and send it our way. Are you and a friend stranded in a strange city? If you’re in the mood, hit up some galleries and write up a We Went To. Basically, we’re open.
To everyone cut off from your loved ones, home, studio, and/or livelihood—we can’t begin to imagine how awful this is. Know that we’re heartbroken and mad as hell too. So, let’s work together. If you offer your voice, we will make its not only heard but supported.
Please send all commission pitches to submissions@artfcity.com, with the subject heading “Fuck Donald Trump”. Pitches should include an explanation of how you have been affected and what you would like to produce for AFC. Pitches should reflect the urgency of the times and your situation. Our first month’s submission deadline will be Wednesday February 15th.
Comments on this entry are closed.
{ 3 trackbacks }