This blog is free to read. Most of my writing, going back three decades, is also free (find some of it here). As I get older if not necessarily wiser, it seems less—not more—important to associate publication and money. Plus, if anyone ever wants to pay it forward, I’ve got plenty of books available to buy or review. Even that request is made uneasily, and I’m not sure what it says about me or the times we live in that I feel ceaselessly awkward soliciting attention. With so much content in the world, anyone pausing to read anything I write seems payment enough, and indeed, most writers, if they’re honest, would pay people if it came down to it.
Since founding my non-profit 1455 eight years ago, I’ve also had a policy that all events and programming are free to the public. There are ways to generate funds (frankly, I’m terrible at all of them), and I feel it’s more important than ever to ensure access to art should be more—not less—unfettered. In a world where people continue to die hungry, go without health care, and watch as those with the most carve up the spoils, it seems churlish to ask for monetary support. I would do it for free, so I do it for free.
Here’s my personal ask for Giving Tuesday: if you love art, buy an album or a book; next time you’re at a concert pick up a t-shirt. It’s the holiday season: pick up some books as gifts, or pay for a friend’s subscription to a magazine or Substack. You get the picture. Take some time and explain to someone younger why it’s important to vote. Remind your friends they are important. Say thank you to your parents (say thank you to anyone who is a parent). Be nice to animals. Be kind to strangers. And so on.
And I thank you for reading, and being part of this dialogue, even if it’s mostly one-sided (I’m always happy to hear from you, by the way: sean@1455litarts.org).
That’s it. If you have exhausted other ways of being generous, God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen and Women, thank you brothers and sisters. Keep on keeping on. Be sweet and stay safe.
