Finances: Money, Budget, and Taxes

How Local Artists are Adapting Income Streams During the COVID-19 Crisis

Conversation with Houston-based creatives Nick Gaitan, Edgar Medina, and Dominique Royem and moderated by Reyes Ramirez.

Fresh Arts recognizes artists as innovators. In a time of uncertain income streams for so many in the creative community and other sectors, artists are being forced to pause or adapt their creative practice, learn new digital skills or rely on their other talents and skills to generate income. 

To amplify the efforts of local artists and inspire the creative economy, Fresh Arts hosted a Facebook Live conversation with three local creatives to discuss how they are staying resilient and adapting during this time. 

Nick Gaitan

Musician Nick Gaitan, a musician and self-described “hustler”, is no stranger to juggling gigs and evolving as an artist. Nick has played in Houston’s beloved Los Skarnales, while also fronting the Gulf Coast-centric Umbrella Man, while also holding down the low end for Billy Joe Shaver and Nikki Hill.

Nick is continuing work through Virtual concerts (see Discovery Green) and is accepting virtual tips via his social media. Gigs aside, Nick is also available for autowork, handywork, plumbing, music lessons and tutoring.

View his March 26, 2020 Virtual Concert with Discovery Green here.

Edgar Medina

Edgar Medina is a local Houston artist that specializes in abstract and mixed media paintings on canvas. He has been exploring his artistic passion for over ten years and has showcased his work at art fairs around the country. Edgar’s art gallery and studio is located in the Montrose community where his work is always on display.

Edgar is available for commissions of 6″x6″ works of art for $100 through his Send Some Joy campaign. While his studio is closed to the public, he is hosting virtual exhibitions of his work.

Dominique Røyem

Dominique Røyem is the Music Director of the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra.  An active guest conductor, she has worked with ensembles such as the Ukrainian State Orchestra, Plevin Philharmonic, Galveston Symphony, Moores Opera Center, Sugarland Opera, HBU Opera Theatre, and the Houston Civic Orchestra. She has a Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Houston Moores School of Music and currently lectures at the Women’s Institute of Houston and serves on the National Board of the Conductors Guild.

Dominque is currently posting music explainer videos on YouTube. Supporters can view content and contribute to her Patreon page.

In response to the COVID 19 pandemic and its impact on our creative community, Fresh Arts has launched a virtual workshop and conversation series as part of a storytelling and resource sharing initiative to amplify access to the information artists need most.

Fresh Arts COVID-19 Crisis Response Resources

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