Get Ready Challenge 2022

In early January, CERF+ launched the 2022 Get Ready Challenge to help artists be more prepared. Here is a recap of the month featuring some of the artists who completed the challenge. It’s not too late to join in! We encourage all artists to take four simple, but important steps this month.

 

Week 1: Get a Basic Safety Tool/Risk Assessment

 

Think about your biggest risks and how you can protect against them by purchasing a tool and making a plan. For example, Alison Pack, Professor of Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design at Radford University, recommends having a fire extinguisher and exit plan for your studio. That’s just one example of a basic safety tool, but there are others, such as eye protection, respirators, and gloves. What tool will you get to take action and check this off your list? Need suggestions? Visit our Studio Safety Guide and assess your risks in our Studio Protector.

 

“I started working with wood in earnest last year and I received a Get Ready Grant from CERF+ to help purchase a circulating air face shield for when I’m working on the lathe with dry wood. It keeps my eyes and lungs protected from dust.”

Candice Methe, Ceramic Artist, 2021 Get Ready Grant Recipient

Week 2: Start Your Inventory/Start Your Legacy Plan

 

Taking an inventory in your studio means documenting all of what you have (tools, materials, equipment, and artwork). An easy way to start is just to use your phone and take photos or videos of your studio’s contents and save them in cloud storage or on a hard drive at an offsite location. If you’ve already done that, start thinking about your legacy plan. What will happen to your studio contents, notebooks, etc. when you are no longer working? Use our guides to take an inventory and to plan your legacy. Participating in the Get Ready Challenge is like a fitness challenge for your creative practice. Get your steps in today!

“If you’re an artist, I challenge you to take some steps forward this year in protecting your career and life’s work. Know about CERF+ and what they offer. They’re a great organization helping thousands of artists in immeasurable ways.”

Leigh Suggs, Paper Artist, 2018 Get Ready Grant Recipient, Photo by Page Ryland

 

Week 3: Learn About Business Insurance

 

Business insurance can protect your career.  That’s just one of many reasons why business insurance is so important. Our Business Insurance Guide will help you learn about different types of insurance and how to find an affordable policy that fits your needs.

There are two main types of business insurance coverage: Business Property and Liability. The first covers your physical studio space and your work and property while traveling for business purposes, e.g. to a show. Liability insurance is subdivided into categories and includes general liability (protects if someone were to become injured in your studio or booth), product liability (if someone is injured by one of your products), and errors and omissions (if you teach or write, you may need additional coverage to protect against students claims of injury following your advice).

“The CERF+ Get Ready grant I received last year is my daily reminder to keep things together and safe in my studio. I purchased a new fire cabinet. With everything tucked in safe and sound I can rest a little easier now.”

Elizabeth Belz, Blacksmith, 2021 Get Ready Grant Recipient

 

Week 4: Set Resilience Goals for the Year

 

Setting resilience goals is a fantastic way to kick off the New Year and to safeguard your artistic practice. Think about how you can be better prepared for an unexpected situation and set some goals today. We have compiled a lot of resources so you can tailor your plan to fit your individual needs.  

Resilience goals could include:

• • • •   Cleaning your gutters regularly or installing gutter guards to protect against water damage in your studio
      •   Organizing your studio to prevent tripping hazards in case of fire or power outages
      •   Ensuring your health and business insurance policies fit your needs
      •   Starting an IRA and setting up automated contributions to prepare for your future
      •   Opening a savings or investment account

“Thanks to CERF+’s Get Ready Grant, I was able to purchase and install a new filtration system in my workshop. As a result, my workspace is cleaner, more efficient, and my lungs are protected from the many materials I use to create my work.”

Erin McCue, Woodworker, 2019 Get Ready Grant Recipient, Photo by Katie Arnold

Your artistic journey is in your hands, so please act today for a more secure tomorrow. CERF+ is here to support you and cheer you on! Please post your activities on Instagram using the hashtag #GetReadyChallenge2022 and tag @cerfplus. Being prepared is easier than you think, and setting goals can make a meaningful and positive impact for your artistic career.

 

Get Ready Grant Applications are LIVE!

 

Setting resilience goals is a fantastic way to kick off the New Year and to safeguard your artistic practice. Think about how you can be better prepared for an unexpected situation and set some goals today. We have compiled a lot of resources so you can tailor your plan to fit your individual needs.  

Just in time for your readiness planning, we just opened a new round of our Get Ready Grants. Since 2017, CERF+’s Get Ready Grants have awarded up to $500 to individual artists working in craft disciplines to conduct activities to help safeguard their studios, protect their careers, and prepare for emergencies. In response to the continuing changes that artists are making to their careers as a result of COVID-19, this cycle will also support artists in acquiring career skills and business assets required in the current and post-pandemic creative economy. ​Artists are encouraged to use the Risk Assessment activity to generate ideas. Applications are now available and are due February 22, 2022. Priority will be given to Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and folk and traditional artists.

Apply for a Get Ready Grant Today