Paddy Johnson

Thank you.

You're listening to the Art Problems Podcast, Episode 108.

I'm your host, Patti Johnson.

This is the podcast where we talk about how to get more shows, grants, and residencies.

And I want to introduce today's podcast by talking a little bit about the YMCA.

Now, this is a nonprofit organization that is probably best known for its gyms and pools.

I use them, I'm sure,

You've used them too.

A couple of years ago, I learned that they have an emergency assistance fund that their employees pay into and can access in the case of accidents, illness, the death of a loved one, et cetera.

And they also offer health benefits and have a retirement fund employees can access when they retire on top of their 401k.

And the reason I mentioned this is that I really love that they take care of

the people who work for them in this way.

And I've always wanted to see something similar made available to arts workers.

But the YMCA model only works if you have an employer.

If you're a freelance artist, there's no employer to set any of this up for you.

So in the art world, you're on your own, but for a few emergency grants.

There's no HR department.

We have no healthcare for self-employed artists or emergency funds,

or any easy way to collect and distribute money to large groups of arts workers.

Today, I talk with someone who thinks that this, and really much, much more, can change.