Valerie Beaman

Arts incubators are not a new model, but it seems to me that recently some of them have taken on a new joie de vivre. I attribute this to the fact that they are no longer necessarily focused on developing artists into new 501(c)(3) organizations, but empowering ordinary mortals to try their hand at creating something for their own imagination and amusement.

The success of organizations like Brooklyn’s 3rd Ward is confirming research which finds that the younger generation wants to participate in art, not passively observe it. 3rd Ward is a for-profit membership organization which provides space, back office services, food, galleries, a supportive community, and top-of-the-line creative resources, including photo studios, media lab, jewelry studio, wood & metal shops, along with a huge education program. You don’t have to be a member to enjoy the classes, but membership gets you access to the studios. 

There is a blend of commercial art and fine art happening in the same space providing ample opportunities for crossover and mentoring. Anyone can join -  there is no requirement of previous arts experience. And you can try it out for a month, several months, or a year. If you join for a year, you get a free bike to help you get to 3rd Ward which is located in a warehouse area! The whole place rocks with a sense of play and yet it is a serious enterprise focused on transforming lives through “innovation and possibility.”

The 501(c)(3) model is not broken or out-dated, it just doesn’t serve the needs of every organization.

The incubator model gives artists an opportunity to develop their product and then decide which model will best serve that enterprise. And, in some cases like 3rd Ward, the rest of us can rub elbows with the serious artists while exploring our own creativity.

There are all kinds of arts incubators across the country. I’d love to hear from you about them and also from some incubator graduates about your experiences, and which business model is best serving you now.