Q Once the traditional sources of artistic patronage are removed, the modern artist faces a difficult situation. The independent artistic practitioner seeks to express their own voice, but what happens if one's ideas and approaches are avant garde and not easily digestible, and therefore go against the grain of dominant institutions? What if the artist's work is so experimental that it is not widely accessible and thus not commercially viable? What does it mean when the artist is challenging the very power structures that might have financially supported their work? Where does this leave the artist? To find "enlightened" patrons? To be independently wealthy? To hope to recruit like-minded supporters in a Kickstarter campaign? To starve? These are the challenges that face the modern artist, thanks to the democratic ideals that inspired the French Revolution. What are your thoughts on this challenge, as an artist and/or musician? What do you think are the best ways for an artist to continue to create their work while also still making a living? Post your thoughts, following the instructions below. Your post should be two to three paragraphs long. You may also upload descriptive text, a YouTube link, or an MP3 file. View and comment on at least three of your classmates' posts.