The Working Title Project

On behalf of “The Working Title Project” (July 2023)

-Nicholas Deveney

Since moving to Ashtabula it has become apparent to me that access to art and music, though existent, is quite limited. There is of course the Ashtabula Arts Center along with some shops dedicated to selling local artists’ work, but nothing that quite fills the niche of this project. The goal is a brick and mortar location with consistent hours of operation that provides a place for artists to showcase bodies of work, for musicians to play original music, and for the community to experience art in a setting that discourages certain pretenses associated with “finer” establishments or the compulsion towards more rigid capitalistic goals. We of course would love to connect artists with patrons, and that will be encouraged, but while pieces are on our walls and music fills our halls there should be absolutely no monetary barriers to dissuade anyone from experiencing the spectacles.

The format will likely need to evolve, but for now the idea is to find a space with pedestrian access, ample parking, and enough distance from other buildings to avoid disrupting any neighbors during music and social events. Ideally the space would be separated into at least three distinct rooms. The “main” room to showcase a single artist at a time, or a collection focused on a common theme. This space would likely be the largest, and double as a live performance space. A second space for a semi permanent collection of various local artists’ work, curated to preview work and encourage investigation into their broader bodies of work. The third space would ideally be a utility space, a place for guest artists to work, bands to stage their gear between sets, oddball installations, and so on. A good flow will depend heavily on what space we are able to procure, and so the format will ultimately follow the space.

In regards to funding, I am going to begin research into what grants might be available, but I have never written a grant proposal and hardly know where to begin. What time and resources I can afford to contribute I will, and I will be soliciting donations from individuals, businesses, and any other potential sources of funding that I am made aware of. Daily operations will be the shared responsibility of myself, volunteers, the featured artists, and ideally we will be able to provide a handful of good paying jobs to community members interested in being a part of the art community regardless of personal artistic ambition, knowledge, or skill. We want anyone who wants to be involved to be afforded the opportunity without taking advantage. In my experience, splitting the sale of art can discourage artists from showing and has resulted in price inflation. Keeping the art affordable and allowing the artists to sell their work for what they think it is worth is a major concern for me, if it is possible we will abstain completely from going down that road. If the place cannot exist without taking advantage of artists or guests, it should not exist.

To help keep things on the up and up I have a few ideas such as encouraging art sale transactions to be done directly between artists and buyers, a transparent and public record of donations and budgeting (if a way to do this efficiently already exists please get in touch to let me know), and the absolute bare minimum of bureaucracy. This will be a business in what ways it must to meet legal requirements, but ultimately a community space and service.

It is a lofty goal, and I am very much in need of a broad spectrum of help.. any way that you can and wish to get involved, please do not hesitate to get in touch or donate.

Direct donations to the nest egg can be made to the following digital platforms,

gofundme - gofundme  

cashapp - $dizzyelfdesigns

paypal - @solitaalexus

venmo - @solitadeveney

receipts can be provided, and unless donors wish to remain anonymous we will keep the public up to date on where any money comes from or goes to. Legitimizing the project alone may take money and expertise, so please do reach out with guidance if you have any to offer.

Thanks,

Nicholas Deveney . typesetterpress@gmail.com . typesetterpress.com . “the working title project” on Facebook