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Available Episodes

5 of 95

EP 90: Three Mistakes to Avoid when Applying for a Guggenheim Fellowship
In this episode, Paddy gives you the skinny on the Guggenheim Fellowship, one of the most prestigious awards for mid-career artists. The talk contains tips and strategies you won't find on their website, including knowing when to apply and how often. You won't find this information anywhere else, so have a listen. Even if you're not planning to apply, this episode will give you strategies for ALL grant applications. Relevant links: https://www.gf.org/
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EP 89: This Is Artist Time with Natalia Nakazawa
Artist Natalia Nakazawa believes this moment of extreme uncertainty is actually "artist time"—when we need to step up as visionaries and fill the voids that traditional systems are leaving behind. This is the second interview in my series on how to find hope through artistic practice. Natalia has built multiple collectives and focuses on long-term sustainability over quick wins. We discuss making culture essential infrastructure and why artists need to connect beyond their silos. This is about training yourself to dream big and recognizing that artists are needed everywhere. RELEVANT LINKS: Natalia Nakazawa: https://www.natalianakazawa.com/ Socrates Sculpture Park Fellowship: https://socratessculpturepark.org/ Hue Museum: https://huemuseum.org/ Join Netvvrk: https://www.vvrkshop.art/i-want-to-netvvrk-now
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EP 88: Bravery Earns you Hope: An Interview with Julie Peppito
After feeling demoralized by Trump’s election, artist Julie Peppito researched how to resist authoritarianism and merged her studio practice with street activism—what she calls "artivism." Peppito, who is leading Saturday's No King's protest in NYC, believes artists are uniquely positioned to break through disinformation as messengers and visual communicators. We discuss her four-part formula for building hope: community, social proof, joy, and collaboration, plus practical advice on organizing art builds, leading protests, and turning your studio into a "hope-making machine." RELEVANT LINKS: Julie Peppito: https://www.juliepeppito.com/ Julie Peppito Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliepeppito/ 50501: https://www.fiftyfifty.one/ Indivisible: https://indivisible.org/ Heather Cox Richardson Newsletter: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/ The Ink by Anand Giridharadas: https://the.ink/
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EP 87: What to Do When There Are No Answers
When external pressures feel overwhelming and traditional solutions fall short, how do artists move forward? From The Whitney pausing its Independent Study Program to AI threatening brand partnerships, the challenges facing artists today often don't have clear fixes. Art Coach Paddy Johnson explores why believing every threat is already reality can paralyze us, how social media platforms prioritize reach over genuine connection, and why the art world's scrappy resilience might be our greatest asset. Plus, an announcement about an upcoming series designed to bring hope and courage to the creative community. RELEVANT LINKS: Whitney Museum Suspends Independent Study Program - Hyperallergic Do Artists Need Galleries - artnet Art Market Minute podcast Trump Said He Fired the National Portrait Gallery Director. She’s Still There. - Bloomberg Netvvrk membership
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EP 86: What It Looks Like to Trust Your Instincts
At the end of 2024, artist Amy Kligman left her executive director role to create her own opportunities by identifying gaps in the Kansas City arts ecosystem. She launched Special Effects gallery to make local artists more nationally visible and the Salon for Possible Futures, an artwork that doubles as a community gathering space. We discuss how Amy navigates risk and uncertainty, measures success in experimental projects, and uses art to build empathy and human connection during politically volatile times. RELEVANT LINKS: Amy Kligman: https://www.amykligman.com/ Amy Kligman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykligman/ Special Effects Gallery: https://www.instagram.com/specialfxgallery The Salon for Possible Futures: https://www.nermanmuseum.org/exhibitions/2025-03-28-amy-kligman.html
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