Why we give money to artists

I'm raising money for Akropolis. I gave some, and asked my friends to give. I have also been on the other end in the past, an artist receiving money. I'm noticing some new things about why I give.

1. I give selfishly, to get a show.

2. I give confidently, because of Akropolis's consistent excellence.

3. I give comfortably, because I see how hard they work, how far they stretch a dollar, how much they train. I have this same feeling about Jet City Improv, by the way, and the Intiman, the Odin, and Seattle Opera.

4. I give so they will keep exploring artistically, with all the not-knowing that entails. What I really want is the art they will start making about 20 years in.

When I've asked for money as an artist, it didn't occur to me that people would consider the art worth the investment. I thought it was more of a charity thing -- they were investing in our relationship, in the tax write-off, in that generous feeling. (And, given how rookie an artist I was, there probably WAS a lot of charity involved.) But now I realize, they crave good art.

We give money to artists because they feed our souls with their art.

Akropolis does it with radiant presence. Jet City does it with laughter. Seattle Opera does it with colaraturas. The Intiman does it with profoundly theatrical storytelling. The Odin does it with reverberation, stories that explode an hour in.

To raise more money, become a better artist.