The Artist as Culture Producer: Living and Sustaining a Creative Life

When Living and Sustaining a Creative Life was published in 2013, it became an immediate sensation. Edited by Sharon Louden, the book brought together forty essays by working artists, each sharing their own story of how to sustain a creative practice that contributes to the ongoing dialogue in contemporary art. The book struck a nerve—how do artists really make it in the world today? Louden took the book on a sixty-two-stop book tour, selling thousands of copies, and building a movement along the way.

Now, Louden returns with a sequel: forty more essays from artists who have successfully expanded their practice beyond the studio and become change agents in their communities. There is a misconception that artists are invisible and hidden, but the essays here demonstrate the truth—artists make a measurable and innovative economic impact in the non-profit sector, in education, and in corporate environments. The Artist as Culture Producer illustrates how today’s contemporary artists add to creative economies through out-of-the-box thinking while also generously contributing to the well-being of others.

By turns humorous, heartbreaking, and instructive, the testimonies of these forty diverse working artists will inspire and encourage every reader—from the art student to the established artist. With a foreword by Hyperallergic cofounder and editor-in-chief Hrag Vartanian, The Artist as Culture Producer is set to make an indelible mark on the art world—redefining how we see and support contemporary artists.

Louden’s worldwide book tour begins in March 2017. More information and tour dates can be found online at www.livesustain.org.

• Living and Sustaining a Creative Life: Essays by 40 Working Artists
• Art/Work - Revised & Updated: Everything You Need to Know (and Do) As You Pursue Your Art Career
• Art-Write: The Writing Guide for Visual Artists
• The Artist's Guide: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love
• Getting Your Sh*t Together: The Ultimate Business Manual for Every Practicing Artist
• Culture as Weapon: The Art of Influence in Everyday Life
• Vitamin P3: New Perspectives in Painting
• Art History Portable Book 1 (5th Edition)
• Art History Portable Book 1: Ancient Art (4th Edition) (Art History Portable Edition)
• Seven Days in the Art World