The recent CulturePulse logo contest has ruffled a few feathers lately, including those of some members of the FMVA Board of Directors. Some artists, including myself and a few of the FMVA board members, signed their names (but not the FMVA as an organization) to a letter to CulturePulse regarding their contest. Personally, I was dismayed and opposed to the idea of the largest ND statewide Arts Advocacy group holding a nationwide spec-work contest in which only one designer will be paid for their time and effort – instead of first reaching out to their in-state resources to find an appropriate artist to craft what is essentially going to become their public-facing identity.

Not only did I have my own feelings to contend with on the issue, but the Board also had conflicting opinions on whether or not the FMVA should even make mention of the contest to its membership or the public, since as a policy, the FMVA does everything in its power to not ‘promote’ anything that ‘harms’ artists (i.e. – asking for Free artwork donations, etc.).

My own opinion is this – yes, we should make mention of it. Better to put it out in public than hide it away where no one knows about it. I think we’re never going to be rid of spec-work and other unfair working conditions for artists unless we get it out there and talk about it.

There are others who are opposed to the idea of us mentioning it – especially because it involves a statewide arts organization, and because they are of the opinion that no matter how many disclaimers we put on our website to the contrary – some people are going to think that by us putting it on our site, we are endorsing it.

So, what do you think? Do you have any opinions on the matter? Leave a comment below – and if you’re willing to stand behind what you say like I am, don’t make it an anonymous one.

Cas Johnson

This makes it very easy to share opportunities and announcements with visitors to the FMVA website and subscribers to the FMVA’s RSS News Feed, when they might not have otherwise heard about them.

We encourage anyone who receives Calls for Entry, Visual Arts Events or anything else of interest to our community of visual artists to Contact Us about becoming an official FM Visual Arts News Contributor.

Here is a short screencast video that shows you how easy it is:

Goodbye One-Way Communication

One of the major changes to the technology that we’ve made includes dumping the mailing list (or the list-serv, as it’s known). For several reasons, the mailing list became unbearable to update and maintain. It’s also been exclusive and inclusive at the same time, with no real definition as to exactly what function it should perform.

Therefore, there is NO mailing list anymore. Any news and information that used to be distributed through the mailing list is now posted on the website, and therefore is distributed through an RSS Feed.

Hello Conversation

There are several advantages we’ve gained by basically deep-sixing the mailing list and moving the conversation to the site:

1. The site can maintain a timely conversation between members about important topics
2. You can choose how you wish to consume news – either on the site itself, by subscribing to the RSS Feed, or by subscribing via Email
3. Announcements are much easier to maintain – the huge time commitment bore by a few (and in some cases, an individual) people is more evenly distributed to the participants

I Just Want To Get News Emailed to Me

Go to our Subscription Page and put in your email address, then click on the link in the email you get.

Below is a video walkthrough of that process, and an alternative in case that method doesn’t work for your particular computer configuration*.

*WHY do you show multiple options for subscribing?

Depending on what Operating System you’re using (Mac, PC, Linux, etc.) and what Browser you’re using (Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, etc.) - one method of subscribing might not work for you, but another will. PLEASE do not give up if the first method of subscribing that you try does not work!

Yes, it is a little bit of work on your part vs. just paying your membership dues and getting the email automatically (or not, as some members unfortunately experienced) – but we have very good reasons for making you take a little more time and effort to stay up-to-date on FMVA stuff – including staying compliant with the Can-SPAM Act, allowing you choices in how to subscribe, and generally removing most of the burden that ground our mailing list literally to a halt.

And rest assured, if there is any news we have to report exclusively to paid members only, we will use other channels to do so. Thanks for your understanding and your participation in our new online venture. Enjoy!