Esteemed readers and stakeholders, 

Q2 is upon us, and with it, incentive to innovate. Art-making presents a steep growth opportunity. Keen-eyed investors will have observed the commercial success of Generative AI technology, the global shift towards “gig” work in the arts, and the defunding of art infrastructures, and understood that the market thirsts for change. The enterprising among them may even observe some routes by which he might deliver such disruptions. First, he can cut overhead costs by automating, digitizing, or wholly deprecating art-making processes where possible (those that stubbornly require skilled work can be cheaply approximated through compounded micro-labor). He’ll observe that, across consumer landscapes, buyers accept declining quality and increasing climate externalities, inviting all manner of cost-cutting ventures. He ought also consider a time-tested strategy from the financier’s playbook: funneling funds from arts education and nonprofit sectors towards consultants and administrative personnel, who will duly expand and perpetuate this process. 

Yet there is another intrinsic value to art, one divorced from fiduciary incentive. How do we preserve this other value, this beating heart of culture, amid such changes? The x-factor I speak of is, of course, free-market exchange. I’m thrilled to share that this will continue apace. I also advise the reader not to compromise on creativity. Visionaries, from growth equity gurus to executive directors, deserve time, trust, and resources to streamline efficiencies in groundbreaking ways. 

Reader, you and I have the power to protect and nurture the age-old urge to think and build together: neoliberal capitalism. This fiscal quarter, I hope you’ll find it in your heart to give (ideally directly to me). Thank you.