Ask any artist,making a living as an artist isn’t easy. At times, it can look and feel like a challenging task but, particularly in recent years and during the COVID-19 lockdowns, we’ve grown to understand the social, therapeutic, and economic importance the arts and creative industries have on our lives. Via its media channels and events, Occhi continues to feature creatives in visual arts, performance, dance, independent film, literature, and music. As working artists, we subscribe to the idea we are a community and aim to help as best we can. We’ve collaborated with others on bespoke projects supporting public access to the arts, preserving cultural activities in economically deprived areas, and addressing global issues, such as climate change and global warming.
To date, despite several attempts, we have received no formal arts funding or financial support from government agencies or private trusts. However, we continue to garner the attention of artists, publicists, and the art-loving public via our magazine, gallery, and other platforms. To date, we have featured hundreds of artists and creatives from across the globe. In light of the current economic challenges, and the lack of funding opportunities, your support will further our efforts to showcase independent, underrepresented, and unsigned artists. Your support will enhance our ability to further public engagement via organized live events, exhibitions, talks, and educational workshops. Funding will strengthen our capacity for written and recorded online features, interviews, and reviews of creatives working across the arts. Most importantly, it will also help Occhi’s team introduce new initiatives, such as facilitating career advice drop-ins, and mental health/wellbeing support services.
Figures vary in countries, but ArtsMinds research suggests that, in the UK alone, 46% of performing artists self-reported poor or average mental health. In the case of unipolar or major depression, the average population rate is about 5% but the rate among artists and writers in the various studies is between 15% and 50%. Music Industry Research Association studies indicate 50 % of musicians reported battling symptoms of depression, compared with less than 25 percent of the general US adult population. Nearly 12 percent reported having suicidal thoughts — nearly four times the general population. According to a study published by the Swedish digital distribution platform Record Union, the numbers are even starker: It found that 73 percent of independent musicians have battled stress, anxiety, and depression.
We’ve started a great initiative with much potential to assist artists in all areas of their professional lives. With your help, we can make a greater impact.
Your support and any contribution will be appreciated!
Individual donors providing $50/£40 or more will receive a ‘Friends of Occhi’, listing on the official Occhi Arts & Entertainment websites.
Individual donors providing $150/£125 or more will also receive Occhi Arts and Entertainment merchandise (Unisex T-shirt)
Individual donors providing $350/£300 or more will also receive an Occhi Arts and Entertainment Unisex Premium Sweatshirt, a stainless water bottle, and discounts on occhi events (subject to event location)
Corporate sponsorship and collaborations with companies championing the arts are welcomed. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if this is of interest.
Thank you!
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