John Shih, a business graduate and artist, turns to alternative funding sources for his latest project, Studio Artivo, a project to plant a collaborative production and learning studio for emerging photographers, videographer, painters, crafters, and other types of artists. With just 60 days to fund, the process is testing both the online fundraising model and the artist’s skills.
Milwaukee, WI, July 11, 2014 – Local Elm Grove photographer, John Shih, is turning to the Internet to raise funds for his latest project, Studio Artivo, a project to plant a collaborative production and learning studio in Milwaukee for emerging photographers, videographer, painters, crafters, and other types of artists. With funding as the first major obstacle to getting any project off the ground, current economic conditions don’t make the job any easier. Artist/Entrepreneurs have to become more innovative in their fundraising tactics, and the artists’ community has embraced sites like Kickstarter.com.
In line with Kickstarter.com guidelines, artists/entrepreneur have a set number of days to raise all the funds or the project receives nothing. Shih’s project has a 60-day fundraising window, from start to finish. If the allotted budget ($525,000 USD) isn’t raised before Sep 9, 2014, all pledges are cancelled and the project will not be funded.
Shih’s project Studio Artivo, will provide a working/production venue that is designed for emerging (freelance, in-training, or professional) photographers, videographer, painters, crafters, and other types of artists. This shared studio concept allows part-time and full-time artists the ability to afford a shared space that is conducive to their working needs. In addition, there will be opportunities for collaboration and learning. Studio Artivo will also offer many art workshops/classes throughout the year, will have an artist store, and will include an art gallery which is open to the general public.
When Shih was asked, “Why this project?”, he answered, “Individuals that are talented, creative, and inspired to innovate shouldn’t have to find space at home or independently lease a high cost studio in town just to do what they are passionate about. And that is where Studio Artivo comes into play.”
On his Kickstarter pitch page, Shih wrote about what it would be like walking into Studio Artivo: Imagine walking into a renovated building, you see an art shop to the right of the entrance. In that art shop you find products that were created by artist operating in our venue and hand crafted art products from other artists in the city. Imagine to the left of the entrance, there is an art gallery that just melts your heart when you walk through it. Now imagine walking to the front desk for a warm welcome and a private tour of the entire studio (dedicated/shared artist labs, meeting/class rooms, lounge, artist-client offices, a small stage, and space to encourage creativity). On the tour, you might even get to see some of our resident artists at work!
To learn more about the project, readers can visit the project’s pitch page here: www.kickstarter.com
Contact:
John Shih
jshih@studioartivo.com
414-810-6734
Project Website: www.studioartivo.com
