One way to help the starving artist
For those who want to attend artistic shows while helping out local artists, look no further than The Basic Fund.
The Basics Fund is a non-profit organization based in Boulder whose mission is to provide health insurance for local artists while also promoting their work. The organization has existed for a little over a year, and the members raise money by providing transportation to artistic events such as concerts, art gallery openings and poetry readings. They own two buses that run on biodiesel fuel and make approximately two to three trips a week.
Not only does The Basics Fund help support local artists, but they also provide a great service to those who ride the bus.
“Dustin and Charlie are the guys. I randomly needed a ride home after a concert and I just threw them a few bucks and they picked me up. Everyone on the bus was friendly. It’s a great atmosphere,” said Keith Story, a sophomore MCD biology major.
The bus also offers a way back to those who choose to drink at art events.
“The bus is a good way for people to be responsible when going to an event because they have a guaranteed sober driver. It also helps expose people to art,” said Dustin Huth, CEO and bus driver for The Basics Fund.
Although only a year old, The Basics Fund has seen enormous success.
“A year ago we were happy if we had ten people on the bus, and now we are expecting about 180 people for Sound Tribe,” said Charlie Kern, vice president of The Basics Fund but whose preferred title is the director of philosophical affairs.
They currently fund three artists, but are in the process of signing on a forth artist.
“We support as many artists as we can and try to branch out to all mediums of art,” Huth said.
The Basic Fund also plans on expanding their outreach.
“We want to start our own magazine to publish our artists work and make the organization as sustainable as possible. We also hope to expand along the Front Range and across the country,” said Kern.
If interested in riding the bus visit thebasicsfund.org/ where you will find a list of upcoming events and contact information to reserve a spot of the bus.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Christina Donahue at christina.donahue@colorado.edu.
