Cody Umans

 What is a free art workshop? 

 A free art workshop is one extension of mutual aid. “Mutual aid participants work together to figure out strategies and resources to meet each other's needs…while organizing themselves against the system that created the shortage in the first place.”[1]  A free art workshop promotes creative outlets for anyone, empowers people by dismantling preconceived notions on who an artist can be, and builds community around shared experiences. A free artwork shop is non-hierarchical, non-bureaucratic, with members controlling all resources. They should promote social equality for all people, equality of member status, power-shared leadership, and consensus-based decision-making.

How do I start a free art workshop?

Do Not Assume. Connect with your community. Check in with your neighbors, local mutual aid groups, or public libraries. Avoid charities as they perpetuate hierarchical constructs that make decisions for communities, rather than with them. Do not assume the wants and needs of a neighborhood. Ask questions, get to know people. Introduce the idea of a free art workshop, listen to what people say. 

Location. Consider traffic, weather, population and convenience for both you and your neighbors. If you choose to organize a free art workshop, consider your access to resources such as tables, chairs, tents, etc. If you connect with a larger group you may be able to share. If you are more interested in hosting workshops on sidewalks, consider the mobility you and others have. 

Be Patient & Plan Ahead. The concept of “free” goes against what we know as a society. It will take a while for people to understand. Be engaging and encourage participation. Explain that anyone can participate as art is for everyone. You may be the only one stocking art materials and making connections to get those materials. It is good to remember there is no shortage of materials. The capitalist mindset makes us believe in scarcity. Get to know your second hand stores, schools, or offices. Tell your work, family, friends to donate things they no longer need. Get them and others involved by asking them to join. Doing so shows them just how easy it can be. The goal with all mutual aid concepts is sustainability. If we are patient and willing to show our community how empowering making things free can be, they will contribute.

Materials. You will not need much in order to begin a free artist workshop - paper, pencils, and a prompt will be enough. Some examples of prompts could be: paint/draw your favorite food, a favorite memory, choose three of your favorite colors and tell a story. Please keep in mind everyone has different backgrounds, familia settings, or levels of reading and writing comprehension. These workshops should be as inclusive as possible, so keep prompts board and open to interpretation. As for materials - get creative! Use found or recycled materials. Cardboard makes great canvas and old cans could hold tools and clean water for brushes. Schools tend to throw out old materials at the end of the year and offices may have excess paper/pencils/pens. Ask around and make connections.

Consistency. Be a reliable member of the community. Community building does not happen overnight, it takes trust. Show up, be friendly, be kind, and be welcoming. Set dates in advance so neighbors know when to expect you and so they can plan to join upcoming art workshops. 

Be observant. In order to remain a sustainable resource, you will need to be observant of your community and its response to the art workshops.. If you experience a total lack of participation, begin again and ask more questions. It is easy to start a new artwork shop. 

[1] H, Katie (27 April 2020). "From Mutual Aid To Dual Power: How Do We Build A New World In The Shell Of The Old?". Plan C. Retrieved 28 July 2020.

[2] Turner, Francis J. (2005). Canadian encyclopedia of social work. Waterloo, Ont.: Wilfrid Laurier University Press. pp. 337–8. ISBN 0-88920-436-5.