Micro-loans for Artists?
Let’s all start a trend. This is not original to me but the idea needs to be circulated further. Links to loan programs are now located at the bottom of this page…
A micro-loan program for artists. Here’s the way I’d set it up:
Similar to Kiva, artists would be loaned relatively minor amounts of money but rather than reimburse the lender in cash, the repayment would be in art. *Aug. ‘09 update: see below for Micro-loan resources for artists.
Example: I request a micro-loan of $30 to purchase ephemera [books, advertising, postcards, pamphlets]. The lender would receive a choice of one of three items:
1. a micro-painting [self-defined as: a 3"x3" canvas. See the Canvas Project II currently sponsored by Art House Gallery] of either the project or another subject.
2. an artist trading card
3. a 5″x7″ photograph or print of the work supported by the loan request – either as a work “in progress” or completed.
Loan amounts would be limited to … let’s say, less than $50.
Micro-Loan for Artists Resource Links (linkage here in no way implies support for or agreement with the loaning entity’s politics or function)
Springboard for the Arts St. Paul – Twin Cities area
NonProfit Finance Fund
Microfundo for music microloans
The Center for Cultural Innovation
