Art LovHer Operations 2015-16

Participating artists of the 1st Annual Femcee Festival (thats me in the middle)

Bojour! Je m'appelle JeSansChez, or J TheGodIs

Most know me as Joi Sanchez. I am a New York based, self-taught artist and curator.

Three and a half years ago, I founded Art LovHer. A co-operative of artists thatcreate and maintain platforms of visibility and empowerment specifically for women, black/brown, & queer artists Since late 2011, our monthly artist salons  and various art events have facilitated greater opportunities of visibility for over 175 independent artists.

In 2014 we created two groundbreaking events.  The first, The semi-annual FeMC Festival celebrates the contributions of women in hop hop culture while honoring its poetic roots. In collaboration with music non-proft Speaking in Rhythms, the three day event included performances by up & coming female emcees from around the world, an art auction, community forum on sex politics in hip hop culture, and a small business vendors market. This year, we'd like to repeat and grow the success of the first endeavor. As hip hop culture continues to spread the globe, we think so should the phenomenal women artists that exist within it. We believe that if the unwritten rules of mysoginy and homophobia that exist within Hip Hop are to be eradicated, we must be vigilant in examining and redefining our place within the culture.


The second event, our InStudio Sessions is an ongoing collaboration with Funkadelic Studios that caters to the artists need for product and press on a quarterly basis. This one of a kind jam session, gives musical & poetic artists the chance to record original music with a live band, in front of a live audience while strengthening their community ties. Art LovHer creates a mixtape from the evening and shares it (and credit) with all participating artists for their professional use. The sessions also give deserving featured artists an chance to record projects to use in the advancement of their professional careers. Our motivating thought is that every artist needs product and recording (especially in NYC) is expensive. However , if we support each other, we can all get what we need. Thee is more than enough food for everyone to eat, and together we feast! 

Last year being the first year for both projects, we had no idea what to expect.  We ran the festival on a shoe string budget and raised about $375 for Speaking in Rhythms. The InStudio Sessions were fully and wholely supported by attendees who purchased tickets. I'm extreemly grateful for not having been put into too much debt over these ideas. But because we are a grassroots co-op, running off of grants and event sales, whatever can't be raised comes directly from my pocket. I am grateful, but I am also at the end of my resources. 

Last year, we were blessed to be named a recipient of a cabaret grant from the City of NY, however bureaucracy being what it is, we have yet to receive the funds of this grant. So I am turning to you, the many friends, family, fans, and collaborators for help. The goal is to raise $5000 (or more) by the end of 2015 so that we can accomplish the following:
1. Mixing & mastering of Volumes 2-4 mixtapes for release in 2016.
2. Organize the 2nd bi-annual FeMC Festival.
3. Continue to operate our monthlyartist salons throughout the 2015-16 season. 
4. Have a successful west coast (and possibly international) summer 2016 tour.

Any help you can give is help we appreciate. If you can't donate please consider passing this to a friend! If you can do both, thats even better!

And please remember, no amount is too big or too small! Every little bit really does help. Even if it's $1, it's $1 more than we had yesterday. 

I thank you in advance! Eternally grateful and humbled by the love & support received!

<3 & Art,
Art LovHer Founder, Joi Sanchezhttp://www.artlovesherbk.nyc