

Creative Placemaking and Public Art with Lynn Basa (#26)
In this interview, you will hear Lynn talk about:
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Her background as a studio artist and how it led to her interest in public art.
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Her time at the Seattle Arts Commission.
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The big jump of having her tapestries fabricated as rugs in Nepal, to then selling art to private collections, to finally teaching herself the business of finding customers.
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How the accessibility of art and availability of selling it online has changed the industry over recent years.
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What creative placemaking is, why it has gotten a bad rap, and how it is different from public art.
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Why she felt the need to go back to school in 2016 and get an MFA.
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What The Corner Project is, who funds it, the main mission of the space, and why she was inspired to start it.
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Some of the obstacles Lynn faced to build a coalition and organize a community in The Corner Project.
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What a typical meeting at The Corner Project looks like, her biggest challenges in running it, and what she wishes she would have known before starting it.
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Why an artist would be interested in creative placemaking, and who isn’t cut out for it.
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How her personal art has developed over time.
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The Chicago art scene and the way her community supports other artists.
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Her upcoming book, the second edition of The Artist’s Guide to Public Art.
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Getting better results by truly listening rather than by imposing your ideas — especially in local politics.
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How she learned how to pace herself and manage her time more effectively.
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Inspiration for artists on how they can be catalysts in their communities.
Resources:
The Artist’s Guide to Public Art
Quotes:
“Art is a billion dollar business, and someone has to do it.”
“There is so much demand for art of all kinds.”
“Buying art isn’t a rich person’s hobby anymore.”
“I do think artists have a holistic way of looking at the world, and we need to recognize that.”
“Look around you, there are more resources than you think. “
*** This episode of the Art Biz Podcast is sponsored by our Art Career Success System, a year-long business training program for committed artists. See http://ArtCareerSuccessSystem.com ***