Someone once said, "If you want people to fund your project, show them the project. When they see what you are doing, they will give you money."

I have, in fact, experienced that. While working on a mural with some teenagers, someone stopped and told us how moved he was by the mural and then left. He returned about five minutes later, reached in his pocket and pulled out twenty dollars. I am convinced that the best way to identify financial supporters who share your vision is by letting them see your vision realized. They will be compelled to fund it and will do it with a smile. That's the kind of support that is needed--no pressure to compromise, no ulterior motives or hidden agendas, just a joyous giving to a project they believe in. Everybody wins in a situation like that. Committed artists need to find funders who believe in their vision.

--Warrior Richardson, Director, AIE