In our last blog about
Field Leadership Fund, we shared what has been working with the FLF Fellowship
thus far. This time around, the focus is on one Fellow’s deeper exploration of
her vision for herself and how The Field’s resources have supported her journey
thus far. Another Fellow reveals how we all
can perpetuate oppressive systems even when it may not be our intent. As
the hosting organization, The Field is also learning more about the role that
it plays in these systems. Hopefully, all of the Fellows have learned more
about themselves, their journeys, and the role they play as well. All involved
must continue to find ways to take accountability for ourselves in this work. Since
multiple perspectives can offer valuable insight, we feel it’s important to
hear from others involved in the process. See below for a look at the
Fellowship experience from the perspective of Artist Fellow, Goussy Célestin and
Manager Fellow, Aya Lane.
Feel free to join the conversation by sharing your
thoughts.
Goussy
Célestin:
9 Months. A full gestation period for human birth. 9 months
of FLF; The Field Leadership Fund. I have been an FLF Artist Fellow gestating
towards the birth of my vision- Ayiti Brass. These past 9 months have been
filled with growth pains, beautiful discoveries, connections, with the
discomfort of “labor” stumbling into possibility. The birth metaphor applies
smoothly (like a baby’s skin- Hey, I couldn’t resist!). In all seriousness
though, the metaphor joke holds relevance to this process I have undergone for
the last 9 months.
I am a working artist, performer, teaching artist, mother,
juggler of multiple things at the same time, wife, and visionary. At the point
when I applied to FLF, I had turned a corner in my art-making. Though I
collaborated with a few arts ensembles, and had recently garnered a new music
teaching position with a prestigious arts organization, I had not yet furthered
my own vision and personal artistic mission- Ayiti Brass. I felt like I did not
have the time, especially being a mother to two young children, and
particularly taking into account that any income I made from my art went to my
children and daily living expenses. There was no money left over for me to feed
my vision. But the vision didn’t die. In fact, the vision burned - like fuel. Its
fire continued to blaze inside me and feed possibility. Applying to FLF, was a moment where I made a
decision to look into organizing more time for this vision. It looked like the
program that would give me the support to birth this possibility into reality.
In a sense, FLF has been my doula of sorts, easing me through the discomfort of
not fully knowing, yet knowing. This process has both informed my creative and
professional growth. I am carving out time for myself on the calendar for
composing rather than trying to squeeze it in while tasking and being with
kids. I find myself advocating for my
time to make art more vocally these days. Through Fieldwork, I have shared more
of myself and my creative process in the company of fellow artists, moderated
by Pele Bauch. Additionally, I’ve started my own blog on my website, “Musings
and Meanderings”, where I am open about my process. The 24 hours of rehearsal
space I received with my participation in Fieldwork has been extremely valuable
- as access to affordable rehearsal space in NYC is like trying to find
adequate parking in NYC. Professionally, I have developed a strong relationship
with my manager, Bryan E. Glover- FLF Arts Manager Fellow. Working consistency
with a manger is immensely helpful. Bryan is someone whom I can bounce ideas
with, build with, and is organized and enthusiastic about my vision. We are
learning and growing together, as we combine our talents within our
partnership. I have FLF to thank for meeting Bryan and for pairing us up.
Having a manager is huge for someone like me who has self-produced and
self-financed myself into levels of burnout previously. Right now, Bryan and I
are gearing up for some upcoming grant applications, and I have recently signed
up with The Field to be my fiscal sponsor. I am also taking more chances and
opportunities for more growth, having recently been chosen to participate in
Creative Capital’s Summer Intensive for artists. Beyond this, I’ve recently
been named a Gardarev Resident Fellow, where I’ll be traveling to Maine in
November for a week long residency of
writing/composing/arranging/choreographing. In the woods, just me and the
work. There is more to go, and more to
grow, more to build. So far, this is Ayiti Brass:
 |
| Neha Gautam Photography |
Aya Lane:
Since
beginning the Field Leadership Fund program my understanding of the inequities and
challenges within the arts sector, especially in New York, has shifted more
micro to macro. Professionally, I have been given tools to expand and deepen my
understanding of systematic oppression and my position within these systems,
especially in regards to art sector.
The
knowledge that I acquired during the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond
Undoing Racism training, as well as through workshops and conversations amongst
the fellows, in a facilitated way through the Field or through our own schedule
meetings, has continuously encouraged me to question my own privileges. This
new knowledge directly impacts and shifts the way that I engage with the artist
that I manage, Eric Lockley. I have begun thinking more critically about the
ways I’ve been indoctrinated with Eurocentric ways of dealing with power,
communication, and how it’s impacted the way I work and am trying to dream up
new ways of co-working, that are more balanced and equitable.
I’ve
also had the opportunity to realize new things about my working style and how I
work best. A major realization that I’ve had is that I have “collaboration
brain,” a brain that seeks out other people to work with, brainstorm and get
feedback at the beginning of starting new projects. I’ve also realized that I
enjoy having a balance of tasks in order to feel productive. I enjoy doing
large projects to work towards with clear goals/ checkpoints (an event,
building a website, things that offer clear metrics), balanced with other
projects that may be continuous such as maintaining social media or ongoing
research.
Creatively,
I am excited to have found myself in an open and loving community of artists
who can relate to some of many of the obstacles that I face within in my work,
and who are able to direct me to opportunities that align with my vision.
Learn more at thefield.org and http://thefield.org/content/field-leadership-fund
What's your name? 
Social
justice, forgiveness, and Undoing Racism – a program of The People’s
Institute for Survival and Beyond challenging participants to analyze
the structures of power and privilege that hinder social equity,
preparing them to be effective organizers for justice. 
