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Jeff Hnilicka is one of the founders of FEAST - Funding Emerging Art with Sustainable Tactics. He currently serves as Company Manager for J Mandle Performance, a Brooklyn-based non-profit performance art company. Before coming to New York, Jeff worked at the Walker Art Center and MASS MoCA. Jeff is a regular contributor to Culturebot and the Walker Art Center blog. He is a founding member of the Revolting Queers, and hosts REALLY? - a queer night in Bushwick.

Problem

As an emerging artist, getting a grant for a project is difficult and sometimes impossible.

Innovation / New Solution

At each FEAST, participants will pay a sliding-scale entrance fee for which they will receive supper and a ballot. Diners will vote on a variety of proposed artist projects. At the end of dinner, the artist whose proposal receives the most votes will be awarded funds collected through the entrance fee to produce the project. The work will then be presented during the next FEAST.

Impact

The organization has hosted five FEAST dinners and has been featured in the New York Times, as well as many other publications.

Expert Comments

• They have a smart new model for commissioning. They are building on technology platforms; tapping into Facebook, Twitter and the rave dynamic; and are gathering young people for large dinner gatherings where artists can showcase their work and win commissioning support for new projects. It is a very innovative model and an advance on the idea of the "donor circle."
  
  
• Based in Brooklyn, this start-up offers a combination of meals and art, at which artists get to present their work for support. Commissions and patronage result for some. It's a new approach to fostering artistic awareness as well as individual support. It could spread as an idea to other cities and states.
  
  

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