Survey Results for Community Feedback Poll!
Our year-end community feedback survey results are in! And while our sample size was a bit small, overall the results we got point us in a consistent direction to go with Artists' Union activities for 2017 and beyond. It's a direction that rang true with many of the core ideas and values we've developed & discussed with members of our local community over the past year. So those of you who took the survey, thank you! Because we're getting ready to make some history, and your contribution will help define the shape that it will take.
Now... On to our results!
Our demographic was composed mostly of adults who were at the “mid-career” stage, and who stated they were working either full or part time in a creative capacity (73% combined). NONE said they were working full-time in a non-creative career, and less than 20% said they were not employed or were primarily focused on non-working activities (such as student or homemaker). So we can rest assured that we got answers from some bona-fide working artists!
On the question, “How can we best represent independent working artists”, results showed you'd like us to primarily focus on improving opinion and support for artists through social media, social awareness and public policy; increasing visibility and opportunities for diverse creative voices in the Portland area, and helping employers better understand the unique role that creative professionals, espeically artists, play in a work environment.
In response to what we should be focusing on in 2017, top marks were given to support-oriented activities, such as providing access to health insurance plans or other member benefits; increasing visibility for member-artists with ideas such as exhibitions, presentations studio tours etc.; etsablish professional development such as creating a mentorship program, and potentially establishing a community studio space for working artists , classes, events and the like.
You also felt it was okay for us to consider partnering with other organizations (local businesses, other Unions or arts associations, government, community groups, etc.) to better accomplish our goals- an average of 75% “yes” for partnering up- which also aligns with our value and goal of helping to increase positive working relationships between local creative or support organizations.
The percentage opinion on whether we should apply for Federal nonprofit status was a bit lower- 67%- but based on our results the Artists' Union can likely fit into the status of either a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit, or a 501(c) 6 trade association, either of which can claim tax-exemptions!
In terms of other potential ideas, you also suggested we think about establishing a tool library for artists, and potentially offering art transport service with a van (which we may have access to already!)
Now that we have a better idea where we are going & what we're doing, we're already underway on getting our application ready for tax-exempt, nonprofit status, finalizing our organizational structure, and getting ready to launch our next phase: Networking and outreach to other creative organizations, approving and beginning to offer paid membership subscriptions, fundraising for operating expenses and member benefit costs, and establishing our team of volunteer help and potential mentorship support base.
Stay tuned for more exciting developments as things unfold in the coming months! And if you'd like to pre-register for a membership subscription, visit our Membership page HERE to add your name to our waiting list.
It's free to sign up and we will contact you as soon as memberships are ready to roll out. We will be releasing more information about this, including projected annual fees and a list of specific benefits, very soon!
