Having offered our first live programming since Covid shut the world down, it’s at once a source of pride and anxiety to recall those early months of 2020, when we struggled to ascertain: how does a public facing organization continue to operate when no one can get together—and the whole notion of author readings or interviews assumes a live setting?
An unexpected and most welcome result was that a robust, virtual slate of events enabled us to stay flexible and, more important, provide very inclusive programming; 1455 suddenly was a legit global proposition, albeit an exceedingly modest one. So, while we’ve been able to include both artists and audiences from Africa, Europe, South America and Asia, and will continue to do so, it’s refreshing to be back in the mix with an evening of genuine (necessary, overdue) human interaction.
With hindsight, this unpredictable path from planning a physical writers retreat (2017), to leaning into free online programming (2021) to becoming a hybrid that celebrates storytelling anywhere, anytime, serves as a metaphor for what 1455 is right now: like so many organizations and individuals, we’ve been obliged to adapt and stay nimble. I’ve learned to vibrate with what the world is telling us our direction could or should be; not unlike writing a novel now that I think about it.
All of which brings us to the key word that resonates throughout everything 1455 has done: Community with-a-capital-C. I remain convinced that both charity and community begin at home, and by home I mean myself: having a vision that attracts likeminded, generous, and creative people, then working to involve as many other human beings as possible; the goal to invite anyone who can share something or benefit from what we’re doing.
So, what’s next? It’s possible this endeavor could continue to evolve and grow in the right ways, or we might eventually face the reality that running an arts-oriented non-profit that doesn’t sell anything is never going to be feasible as a business proposition. For now, I intend to exist as comfortably as possible in this space where, as a writer, I’m both a supporter and participant in the so-called Literary Industry. I’ll also acknowledge, with concern, that this space—and arts in general—has become more of a zero-sum game—whether it’s the book publishing or music or movie industry, there are increasingly less risks taken or tolerated; funding and promotion generally goes to the established, and so much worthwhile creative output is getting lost in the margins. As I’ve opined many times during the last decade, it’s never been easier to get one’s work into the world, and it’s seldom been more difficult, considering all this competing product, to be noticed.
I see part of my life’s work helping champion voices that might otherwise remain unheard, while connecting communities in an increasingly bifurcated climate that creates barriers and isolation. A win for me is helping facilitate communication and connection amongst passionate people who might otherwise never engage with or discuss things they care about with people outside their bubble. What I’m saying is, we know these dislocations are a pressing sociopolitical issue, but they also pertain very much to the art world.
As such, I am proud to repeat that 1455’s mission is transparent as it is positive: we celebrate storytelling and connect communities, by any means possible. I think we’d all agree this has never been more critical, for our collective and individual well-being. Our commitment to keeping all our programming free is non-negotiable; this includes events like tonight, our annual Young Poets Contest, our monthly Author Series, our digitial e-zine Movable Type, our workshops, and public events.
There are many ways to assist 1455 with our mission: you can sign up for our newsletter, spread the word via your social channels, or get directly involved by introducing potential partners, sponsors, or donors. After five years I’m certain of one thing: if we remain for the community and by the community, this is the key to remaining inclusive, positive, and—with luck and your support—sustainable.
Read the rest of 1455’s Movable Type, Issue 13 HERE.
