Independent Arts & Media was founded as a producer’s co-op and media/culture incubator with a mission to expand civic dialogue by increasing access to independent voices.
Indy Arts was founded in 2000 to provide resources and support for media, arts and cultural programs and producers who are doing important work, but who lack support from existing commercial media outlets and traditional arts institutions.
Our production, sponsorship, promotional, educational and support services are always free or affordable, and strengthen a culture of democracy in which individuals fully participate in their communities through vibrant arts, media and public affairs experiences.
Growing Support
To advance this vision, we have established a talented, active board of directors; professionalized oversight and operations; and built a tremendous social-capital network with an almost 100%-volunteer staff. The combined value of this pro bono labor multiplies each donated dollar approximately NINE TIMES — a cumulative of 1,700 hours annually, valued at $169,070.
In 2006-2007 Indy Arts took a major stride with the writing and adoption of our first-ever strategic plan, with support from the Zellerbach Foundation. Central to the plan’s success is the hiring of paid, part-time program staff, which, we are happy to note, has been significantly advanced with support in 2008 from the Walter & Elise Haas Sr. Fund and the San Francisco Foundation.
In 2008, Indy Arts moved to North Beach in San Francisco, where it sublet office space from the Earth Island Institute.
2008 also saw the Expo for the Artist & Musician renamed the Expo for Independent Arts, and staged at Dolores Park, where it more than tripled in size, bringing out more than 3,500 individuals to attend.
In 2009, with the support of the Miner Anderson Family Foundation secured for three years, Indy Arts recruited and hired Clarisa Morales Roberts as our new Executive Director.
Also in 2009, Indy Arts co-produced the second annual Journalism Innovations II expo and conference. We now have TWO annual expositions dealing with both media and culture as cornerstones of democracy.
