Inspired by Maestra Music, Musicians United for Social Equity, and the DIY ethos, the artist index aims to connect members of local and online musical communities to host live music events, make touring more feasible, pool resources, trade lessons, and more.
The artist index borrows the idea of a gift economy from the Buy Nothing project, in addition to a barter economy, in an attempt to disentangle the relationship between capitalism and art-making. In this non-hierarchical system, you may meet collaborators and friends without the financial expectations of the "real world." In addition to musicians, participants may include visual artists, venues, and local community members in the neighborhood.
Here, you can find, build, and be a part of a group of individuals willing to either give or ask for what they need, as well as exchange services in order to further the creation of not only music and art but a growing, thriving community that bridges the gap between "artist" and "audience" as well as "the Internet" and "in person," letting everyone contribute what they can, with whatever skill, experience, or time they are willing to share.