In the interest of transparency, this post must start with a very personal tone, aka “it’s all about me”. But don’t worry — we’ll get back to all of you right quick.
It has taken about three weeks for me to get my own life and current situation identified and dealt with, so while most of the upcoming programs were conceived around March 12, I didn’t want to make promises that weren’t sustainable, and as the restrictions and closures and employment picture has changed so rapidly over the last few weeks, and especially in that first one, it’s much more clear at this point that these efforts have a good shot of not only happening at the start, but seeing us through to the end of this particular saga. To that purpose, you’ll see a series of “WWD” (What We’re Doing) posts rolling out over the next few weeks, describing details of a variety of programs to help our community of artists and presenters through the summer, and to build on as life progresses further.
As you all know, it’s been quite a ride into this pandemic, with sweeping changes affecting everyone in the world. For performing artists and presenters, we’ll have a longer road, but we’re in it together, and it has been extraordinary to see the creative and resilient spirit exuding from our members online. So as your fearless leader, I’ve been listening hard and giving some heavy thought to what the List can do to help you get through this time, and to prepare all of us to dive back in once live events are a possibility again. Confession time: I had this grand plan to tell you about all of the pieces at once, but as hard as I tried, it’s just difficult to make a long list riveting. (Believe me, you don’t want to see the first draft… when even I read it again, it resulted in a face something like what you see here.) So let’s start with a post that eases us into it a bit…
The nutshell
We have a lot coming up, and it was already slated to be a busy year. We’ll be rolling out the various pieces of our “Lister Revolution” plan over the next several weeks, and I can’t wait to show you the hopeful and truly useful things coming up. These highlights are not necessarily listed in order of release:
- We’ll be offering help with annual membership fees.
- Free and discounted business and career coaching sessions will bring that process further into reach, just when artists need it mosts.
- There will be opportunities to get involved for those who are looking for a project or a new skill. These roles will come with plenty of perks… more on all of that later.
- Advertising rates have already been radically reduced, and we’ll outline more details soon.
- LOTS of resources and tools, to help you get to whatever the next step may be. (And the next one, and the next one…)
This is just the start, and we have more ideas that we’ll share with you as soon as we can. Look for video and/or blog announcements, supported by email and social posts, at least once a week (but probably more often to start.)
Your turn
If you have something to share, please contact me using the button below, and we’ll get back to you within 72 hours. As always, please send me a message if you have questions or concerns. I really do want to hear from you.
Stay well and safe, and hopefully we’ll see each other soon!
