‘Make Art Your Business’

Last year during my first trip to the Big Apple, I had the pleasure of meeting 25-year-old Alicia Boone at three a.m. on the two train headed toward Brooklyn. It was a chance meeting — one of mutual respect and a refreshing sense that young people here were making ‘art their business.’ She spoke excitedly of her first event for So Live! Arts Movement (SL!AM), a non-profit organization which showcases independent artists at local venues and provides educational resources to manifest their dreams into a profitable business.

Two years strong, SL!AM has hosted a variety of shows and panel discussions and workshops from Solomon’s Porch to Pratt University. Boone is still in awe of the blossoming talent that emerges from her Bed-Stuy borough. Her warm, generous spirit brings a ray of optimism and hope that is unmatched in a community that receives most of its accolades from living a hard knock life. When asked about her goals, she is chatty and giddy – reminiscent of the days when children just knew they could be anything. Well past those days, Boone firmly believes that she, as well as the artists that she represents, still can.

SM: What was the premise for starting SL!AM?

AB: In 2004, I moved to NYC and I was introduced to the independent artists’ community. After working with singers like Maya Azucena, ONESELF, Honey Larochelle, and with the soul music series the Blowout Lounge, I realized that there was a need for an avenue for artists to have access to pursuing their passion full-time. One of the ways I thought I could contribute to that was by providing a space where artists could gain the business and financial skills I saw missing. Finally, after years of working with such artists, doing promotions, and producing shows, I branched off and pursued my vision for So Live! Arts Movement. I started off with the SL!AM Sessions, a multimedia arts showcase with live music, fashion design, and art. However, while the first SL!AM sessions was not a multimedia event, it was a great start and very inspiring for not only the people that came, but also the people that worked to get it there.

SM: Who are the other board of directors and what are their roles?

AB: Kanako Haji, Director of Music and International Relations, is originally from Japan and has a background in music, business, and marketing. Ashley Mui, the Business Development/Fashion Director, is originally from the Bay area and has a background in styling, music, and media. Tamika Brown is the Creative Production Director from Queens, N.Y., and has a background in art, music, management, and comedy. Diana Reyes (Fly Lady Di) is our first SL!AM-sponsored artist originally from Toronto and has a background in dance, media, art, graphic design and communications.

SM: How are you specifically giving back to inner-city schools and what are independent artists gaining from being a part of SL!AM?

AB: Well, we currently work with universities and have independent business and finance panel discussions. We also combine art and music with our education classes. Artists that work with us gain an amazing amount of business development support, a chance at our unique sponsorship opportunities (art supplies, online marketing, and business support), and investment opportunities. Right now, we have one artist on our roster. We will be scouting this year for other exceptional artists that will be successful at making art their business and will be a positive representation of SL!AM, as well as an inspiration to other artists and the schools we work with.

SM: During your business workshops, what are some of the key points you emphasize in order for artists to ‘make art their business?’

AB: We emphasize the importance of time management, online marketing, how other artists are advancing in their field, social responsibility, how to keep your integrity as an artist, and how to manage yourself as a business and an artist.

SM: Since the inception of SL!AM, what is the most memorable experience you’ve had?

AB: The whole experience is memorable — like carrying a baby for nine months and you finally get to see it! A special memory for me was when the band HEAVY brought the audience on stage for the last song of their set for one of the SL!AM Sessions. Our goals this year include having a series of workshops around New York City to build our roster of artists and to market ourselves to a wider audience. The chemistry of all the artistic mediums coming together in this city is pure magic.