MARCH 2009
the newsletter for Nuçi’s Space, a nonprofit musicians’ support/resource center
“Easy Miss, I’ve got you.” “You’ve got me… who’s got you?”
T
his is the exchange between Superman and Lois Lane, in the 1978 movie Superman, as he catches her after she falls out of a helicopter crashed on top of a skyscraper. It’s Lois’ question to Superman that has often crossed my mind during my time at Nuçi’s Space. Whether it’s raising funds for victims of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina or a local family in need of expensive medical care for a child, those in the creative community tend to be some of the first ones to volunteer their time and talent to assist others. The musicians and artists that I mention do not include only those featured on the cover of magazines or featured on television shows. I have been fortunate to witness some incredible moments of generosity from bands, musicians and artists who are struggling to make a living in their own right. When their community is in need, these compassionate souls step in to provide what they can— their contribution sometimes as simple as providing a song to get us through a difficult period. A new challenge is upon us. We have been warned that the economy will get worse before it gets better. We are reminded by our quarterly 401k statements or by instances of friends and family members looking for work, that we are all touched by this crisis. Non-profit trade magazines such as Chronicle of Philanthropy and the Nonprofit Quarterly are featuring articles about how to weather the storm of decreasing donor contributions, dwindling foundation investments and the increased need for support services as more Americans lose their jobs and health insurance. These topics have found relevance in our own community as we’ve begun to feel the ripple effect of this economic crisis on our organization. Many of our clients and customers work in the service industry to supplement their income as musicians.
As we’ve seen locally, this industry is being hit particularly hard by the recent economic downturn. Restaurants, venues and other service-focused businesses are being forced to cut back and in some cases close their doors. These decisions have and will continue to have a profound impact on our community, especially our creative community.
nuçi’s space 396 Oconee Street Athens, GA 30601 706.227.1515 space@nuci.org www.nuci.org
Newsletter Contributors
So what happens to these musicians and artists when they are in need of help? Well… you happen. We have received several inquires from musicians, volunteers, clients and donors regarding the health of the organization, accompanied by offers of continued help and support. Because of your support, Nuçi’s Space has been able to help over 600 clients with direct financial assistance and increase our funding for these services by 50% in just two years to over $85,000 annually. Your investment in Nuçi’s Space has provided the opportunity for those in need of assistance to make the life-changing and sometimes life-saving decision to seek and receive help. Despite my gloomy reminder of our economic state, I am optimistic and excited about what the future holds. As most of us have learned, adversity is often followed by triumph. It’s during trying times like these that people begin to rediscover the importance of community, relying upon one another and caring for one another. This is the heart of what Nuçi’s Space is founded upon. It’s simple, but very effective. I’d like to think that our creative community can continue to focus on their craft and enrich our lives through music and art because in some small way they know Nuçi’s Space is looking after them. I believe this because we are able to focus on our mission because we know you are looking after us. We’ve “got” them, because you “have” us. Thank you. By Bob Sleppy
Bob Sleppy Will Kiser Terrance Medina Laura Ford Photos
Mike White Terrance Medina Design & Layout
Larry Tenner