How has that been trying to ensure there’s a steady audience for what you’re doing and getting funding?
The Illinois Arts Council is pretty popular here, and I’m active in all types of arts and cultural [activities] in the city. I knew about them, and I also teach it [how to get funding] with my class that I teach at Columbia. [In] one of our classes, we talk about funding and sponsorship for artists, and I even teach them this is a great option for your artists. The Illinois Arts Council, they’re amazing. I knew of them, and I applied for them right away. I did apply for other grants and did not get them. Illinois Arts Council was amazing, and I say “thank you” to them because they really did [help me].
What other challenges did you experience?
It wasn’t a huge budget. It was enough to get it done. I had to have one person, as the camera person, the sound, and the P.A., and then sometimes I would shoot. And during COVID, there were times where individuals only wanted one person in their house. So I would go in and shoot myself. That part was challenging, the COVID thing. The fact that it [was] Black history came at a great time. I hate to say a great time because … [of] the unfortunate situation with George Floyd.
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