New ‘revolutionary’ employment model supports artists at OperaDelaware

OperaDelaware’s Revolutionary Artist Model

A groundbreaking initiative by OperaDelaware is changing the landscape of the arts industry. This innovative model, supported by the Longwood Foundation and other donors, offers sustainable employment to up to 12 artists annually, ensuring financial security, health benefits, and housing stipends.This move allows artists the freedom to fully dedicate themselves to their craft without the constant struggle of finding gigs to make ends meet.

Addressing the “Starving Artist” Reality

KerriAnn Otaño, OperaDelaware’s Vice President of Engagement, emphasizes the dire reality for many artists: “most artists fall in the ‘starving artist’ category – struggling to make enough to pay rent or find health care with no real long-term plans for further advancement or retention.” She further highlights the pervasive issue: “95% of working artists, of working opera singers, are doing something in addition to working their art full-time or they’re working in between gigs, so they can’t even get a full-time job.”

This model, Otaño argues, “provides artists with a voice in the day-to-day operations in the programming, development and management of OperaDelaware,” empowering them to participate in shaping the association’s future.

Empowering Artists,enriching Programs

OperaDelaware’s pilot programme has already made a significant impact. Four artists, a baritone, tenor, and two sopranos, have been employed through the program. Notably, these artists possess prior experience with OperaDelaware, bringing valuable expertise and understanding to their roles.

Industry veteran soprano Toni marie Palmertree now enjoys the opportunity to contribute to OperaDelaware’s development, alongside her artistic work and administrative duties. “It’s sort of rare that artists are asked about how we would see our careers and how the industry operates,” she shares. “It’s hard for an artist to advocate for yourself to say, ‘I deserve a seat at the table, center stage.’ This job, for me, has given me more confidence to advocate for myself. It’s needed.”

Fellow artist soprano Emily Margevich now leads programming for children and seniors, including initiatives that bring opera to homebound residents. Describing the program’s impact, she states, “This position at OperaDelaware has entirely saved my soul this year and my career – no exaggeration.Without the sustainability of full-time employment at Delaware’s only opera company, I would still be living at home with my parents attempting to pay off debt.”

breaking the Cycle of Debt

Palmertree underscores the financial burden artists often face: “In many cases, artists are, at any given time, floating $10,000 in credit card debt until they get to the next job. Makeup, dresses, hair and stuff like that, that’s all a business expense. People want to look at their ideal imagine in an artist, car rentals, Air B&Bs… by no fault of an artist, they’re just constantly cycling around debts for their business.”

A Look to the Future

operadelaware’s initiative demonstrates a pivotal shift in the arts landscape. By prioritizing artist well-being and financial stability, this model creates an surroundings where creativity can flourish. this commitment to sustainability not only empowers individual artists but also strengthens the artistic integrity and longevity of OperaDelaware itself.As Otaño observes,“I believe they make better art consequently. They have community and stability. The ability to say yes for so many more opportunities… It’s so Delaware,isn’t it?”

How does OperaDelaware’s artist model address the financial burden faced by many artists?

Archyde Talks to OperaDelaware: Revolutionizing the arts Industry

Archyde: Let’s dive right in. OperaDelaware has launched a transformative initiative supported by the Longwood Foundation and other donors. Could you tell our readers about this groundbreaking model and its impact on the arts industry?

KerriAnn Otaño, Vice President of Engagement at OperaDelaware: absolutely! OperaDelaware’s revolutionary artist model is changing the landscape of the arts industry by providing enduring employment to up to 12 artists annually.This means financial security, health benefits, and housing stipends, allowing artists the freedom to fully dedicate themselves to their craft. We’re addressing the dire reality for many artists, who often fall into the ‘starving artist’ category, struggling to make ends meet while juggling multiple jobs.

Archyde: That’s incredibly eye-opening. What inspired OperaDelaware to launch this initiative?

Otaño: We wanted to empower our artists and give them a voice in our operations. Currently, 95% of working artists and opera singers have to do something along with their art full-time or work in between gigs. This model not only provides them with financial stability but also includes them in shaping OperaDelaware’s future by participating in programming, development, and management.

Archyde: Can you share some success stories from this pilot program?

Otaño: We’ve already seen critically important impacts. Four experienced artists – a baritone, tenor, and two sopranos – have been employed so far. Toni marie Palmertree, a veteran soprano, now contributes to OperaDelaware’s development alongside her artistic work and administrative duties. She’s gained confidence advocating for herself and her peers. Emily Margevich, another soprano, leads our children and seniors programming, bringing opera to homebound residents. She credits this position with ‘saving her soul and career.’

Archyde: That’s truly inspiring. How does this model address the financial burden faced by many artists?

Palmertree: Its a game-changer. Many artists constantly cycle through debts,often $10,000 or more,just to cover business expenses like makeup,dresses,travel,and accommodation. With stable employment, we can focus on our art instead of constantly worrying about making ends meet.

Archyde: What does the future hold for this innovative approach?

Otaño: We believe this model will empower individual artists and strengthen OperaDelaware’s artistic integrity and longevity. It creates an habitat where creativity can flourish, and artists have stability and community. I love that it’s so Delaware – nurturing and empowering our local artist community.

Archyde: Thank you, KerriAnn, for sharing OperaDelaware’s groundbreaking initiative with our readers. It’s clear this model is not only beneficial for the artists but also enriches programs and strengthens the arts industry as a whole.

Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews with industry leaders shaping the future of art and culture. What do you think about OperaDelaware’s revolutionary artist model? Share your thoughts in the comments below.