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Hello Practical Puppies! Can you help us with something?
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Why is it so hard to ask for help? Mainstream culture praises independence and self-sufficiency. From this perspective, needing help is a weakness. You might avoid asking because you fear rejection. You might assume you are burdening someone. You might think you don't 'deserve' help. If you have a perfectionist streak, asking for help could mean giving up control. Any of these thoughts can stop you in your tracks.
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But the reality is that you need help with all kinds of things! Humans are interdependent beings who can't do anything alone. When you ask for help, you're embracing your humanity.
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Even Villanelle needs help sometimes.
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Here's a practical example: Application season is upon us. Thousands of artists are preparing to apply for grants, shows, residencies and other amazing opportunities. This can be nerve-wracking, especially if you've never done it before. Competing for resources is stressful!
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But it doesn't have to be all about competition. You don't need to work on your application alone! Many granting organizations (like OVAC in Oklahoma, or DCASE in Chicago) offer group info sessions and one-on-one feedback for applicants. These resources are made to support you, so take advantage of them!
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If you know someone who already received the grant you're working on, ask for their opinion! They can offer some insight to the process and give feedback on your project. If you have a friend who is great at writing, ask them to proofread your finished work before you turn it in.
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There are so many opportunities to make connections, find collaborators, and learn--even if you don't get the award!
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OVAC Grants for Artists
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Grants for Artists help individual Oklahoma artists! They offer grants for creating new art, community projects, education and professional development. Grants are open to visual artists, curators, and art writers.
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Practice asking for help
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Make a conscious effort to ask for help this week. If you struggle asking for help, start small! For example:
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- Can you hold this for me? Thanks!
- Please pass me that book. Thanks!
- Will you plug this in for me? Thanks!
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By practicing low-stakes asks, you build up your tolerance!
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Remember, every artist you admire is part of an ecosystem. Their creative work is made possible with the help of the other people in their community.
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Pee-wee has a whole team!
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We'll be back in 2 weeks.
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Until then, keep practicing!
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