Betsi Graves, Urbanity Dance #artsbizinc
“Just throw the rocks out there and then deal with the ripple.”
As part of the launch of NYFA’s new Arts Business Incubator (ABI) program, we are asking successful arts entrepreneurs about their spark to create an arts for-profit or non-profit business and their thoughts on arts entrepreneurship. Based in Boston, Betsi Graves started Urbanity Dance’s with its mission “to inspire, engage and empower individuals and communities through the art of dance and movement."
NYFA: When did you realize that your personal mission spoke to others, and that it was time to start an arts enterprise?
BG: When I started Urbanity six years ago, I never meant to make a buck, I just needed to let the dances in my head out to play. The company grew quickly, dancers wanted to dance with us, and there was a high demand from audiences and students in Boston. People could connect with our work, craved the next class or performance, because they felt alive with our ‘product’ in a way that material possessions could not buy. I realized that there was a tremendous void in Boston for contemporary dance education, performance, and community. What had given me joy and served as my lifeline – contemporary dance – could be shared. A flame never lessens when shared… when it meets another wick, it actually makes a wooshing sound and a bright little explosion. This is what happened to Urbanity, as we shared this joy, it was contagious, more people felt connected to the vision, empowered to contribute themselves, and the creations multiplied.
I realized that dancers and audience members in most major cities had options besides classical dance, why didn’t Boston?!? In a city that celebrates ideas, arts, culture and education, it made no sense. I couldn’t believe that an alternative dance institution didn’t already exist. If it doesn’t exist, then make it. If you haven’t heard what you need to, raise your hand. If you haven’t seen what you need to see, then create it. If not now, when? If not you, who?
My motto: It’s painful to stand on a shore with a bag of rocks. Just throw the rocks out there and then deal with the ripple.
NYFA: What does arts entrepreneurship mean to you?
BG: Arts + Entrepreneurship = (Creativity)²
All entrepreneurs must be creative, and all artists must be creative. I believe Arts Entrepreneurs must be double creative threats just to beat the economic odds. The creative sword has to be adept, innovative, versatile, perceptive, resilient, and… let’s get real, pretty much beastly.
Share your thoughts about arts entrepreneurship and ask us questions about ABI on Twitter under #artsbizinc.
To learn more about Betsi and Urbanity Dance, visit their website, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Yelp.
Images, from top: Photography by Liza Voll, Michael Seamans, Gustav Hoiland.
