Directing alumna Rachel Chavkin '08, Professor Morgan Jenness, and Professor Lynn Nottage partner with a team of more than 50 artists to launch The Trickle Up campaign to help provide opportunities for artists to earn income during the shutdown of theatres and arts venues across the country. TrickleUP NYC Artist Network is a subscription video service where New York artists showcase their work and other creative endeavors for only $10 a month. The proceeds are donated as commissions to artists in need, those who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
TrickleUP features artists sharing their work and their creative endeavors in short videos. Professor Nottage shares a story called "Pilgrims" while Chavkin sings "Puff The Magic Dragon." Taylor Mac, one of the pioneers of TrickleUP, explains “The Trickle Up is a network where you would see stuff you would never otherwise get to see. When else are you going to see the playwright read their entire play?"
Artists submitting content are encouraged to show a casual environment with the encouragement to film content simply using a smartphone. Viewers can see artists, up close, in their homes showcasing readings from plays, songs, cut portions of plays, poetry, or simply artistic thoughts. Artists who are donating content are specifically encouraged to submit material from productions affected by the shutdown of performing arts organizations.
TrickleUP’s community partners include Brooklyn Arts Council, Brooklyn Arts Exchange, Beth Morrison Projects, Clubbed Thumb, The Flea, HERE Arts Center, Howlround, Lark Theatre, Ma-Yi, MAP Fund, NAATCO, New Dramatists, New Georges, New Ohio, NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Center, On the Boards, Peoplmovr, Play Co, Pomegranate Arts, Rattlestick, Skirball Center, and Times Square NYC.
Donating artists will help select the recipients of $10,000 commissions. Trickle Up has already distributed its first commission and intends to distribute commissions monthly.
