Mira’s List is a resource for artists, writers, composers and others in the arts. My blog offers up-to-date information and articles on grant writing, career development in the arts, etc., interviews with both professional and emerging artists and deadlines for grants, fellowships and international residencies. Essentially, Mira’s List is all about finding artists money, time and a place to create.
I am a visual artist and a writer. I just finished an illustrated memoir, entitled THE MEMORY PALACE, due out from Free Press (Simon & Schuster) in January 2011. I’ve also published a lot of kids books on world cultures. I’ve been fortunate in that for many years, here and there, I’ve been able to make a living doing what I love to do.
I was rear-ended by an eighteen wheeler tractor trailer in 1999 which resulted in a traumatic brain injury. It took me a long time to get back on my feet and for a period of time, I was unable to work. I ended up getting a lot of grant assistance through arts foundations for the creative work I had done in the past. Although I’ll never fully recover, I can at least work on my projects part-time now. What energy I have left I use to share my knowledge about grants,fellowships, etc. and try to encourage other artists to be resourceful and generous human beings.
The blog actually started as an email list to a few people about three years ago. Eventually, about a year and a half ago or more it became a blog. Since then, it has really grown! I get letters from artists from all over the world——from Iran to India, to Nigeria, France, Indonesia, everywhere! I hope it goes on for a very long time.
I would say that it ranges from about 200 to 530, but the average is usually around 250 or so. I know I could do many things to get more traffic but because I get so fatigued from my brain injury, I really have to limit what I do. And it’s fine–keeping it a manageable size allows me to write everyone who writes me back. I rarely ignore letters from my readers.
Well, that would be great if it did. I really wanted it to be free, however, in the future, I might have to charge a small amount, like say $5 or $10 a year. I don’t know. I spend so much time working on it. Since I have a disability it would be nice to get a small stream of income. I do use google ads which brings in a small amount—maybe around $80 a month, sometimes more. Some people do donate, which is great. I have barely sold anything through Amazon. I think I made about $2 this year! To be honest, it’s really a labor of love.
Anyone in the arts: writers, visual artists, filmmakers, photographers, video/media artists, musicians, composers, playwrights, etc. Also students, although graduate students really—it’s really for artists who are either emerging into their professional life or mid-career artists. But it’s also for established artists who just want to do one stop shopping for grant, residency and fellowship deadlines. I also do interviews with people in the arts: composers, writers, etc. as well as individuals who run grant foundations, residencies, etc. And people who like to read inspirational stories might like it too. I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback whenever I post an article or essay I’ve written about my own personal journey.
It really varies. I could spend three hours one day and then not go online for three days. It all depends on my brain that day. I have to pace myself or I can get lost on a familiar street, or have trouble with writing and reading. So my blogging is all based on my brain!
I think if you are in the arts in any capacity, my blog is very useful and (according to many of my readers) very, very inspiring. I think during this time of economic upheaval, people need outlets like Mira’s List that encourages individuals to follow their dreams without fear or cynicism (but my blog is definitely not irony deficient, just so you know!).
It really depends on what you mean by success. If you mean financial success in selling a product, well, I really have no clue. However, I do believe that no matter what you are doing on your blog, whether it’s for a business or for the edification of others, you should proceed with great honesty, humility, and humor. Offer something that a person can’t get anywhere else and if he or she can get it elsewhere, make it even better. Also, I think the best blogs are focused and cater to a niche market. And for god’s sake, if you can’t make it elegant and pleasing to the eye, without five million pop-up ads, then find someone who is skilled in web design to help you. When bloggers use a dozen different fonts, a gazillion ads, flashing images, etc., I immediately leave the site. Make it beautiful, unique and full of meaning.
This blog can be visited at http://www.miraslist.blogspot.com
Mira’s List is an incredible resource. I’m so grateful for Mira’s amazing generosity in maintaining it as a labor of love. It’s a dream resource for all writers and artists. As a Kenyan immigrant, I know how marginalized writers can feel when they don’t live in publishing hubs or have access to arts programs, mentors, contacts. And how many years it can take to find the resources and channels of access they need. Mira’s list is the “virtual mentor” I wish I’d had when I started out.
I’ve posted the word of Mira’s list on Kenyan and African listserves, and I know it gives great hope and encouragement to young emerging writers outside the US.
Mira’s List is a wonderful resource for artists; grants residences and fellowships are listed and detailed. Mira will also include blogs on the application process. Her interviews and inspirational stories are genuine and encouraging.
I have found Mira to be incredibly generous with information and have found so much information to pursue . As an artist, resources are everything and finding them is a mystery when left by oneself to do so. Thanks Mira for all you do. Annelies
Mira’s List is an exceptional resource.
From grant writing tips, fellowship and residency information, to her wonderful interviews, Mira’s List provides valuable information for artists, writers, and musicians. I read her blog on a regular basis and find myself referring to her blog on grant writing often.
Mira`s List opens a lot of doors and save our time.
Mira’s List has become an essential resource for me. I read her blog regularly and I enjoy reading her interviews and stories. I feel like she is a champion for artists and a very dedicated, generous, resourceful and caring spirit.
Mira is a brilliant writer who understands the challenges faced by creative people. Despite her own personal issues she manages to provide us with a wealth of information, and does so like an encouraging parent. As a textile designer, I have trawled many websites for residencies and found hers to be the most user-friendly; Even though I haven’t yet found a residency I know it will happen through her site eventually! She clearly does a great deal of research and puts her heart into her blog.
Many thanks to you for your generousity, dedication and time to offer this immeasurably important service to artists. And all in one place for all the arts!
I understand that you are from Turkey, right? Spent an absolutely marvelous two weeks there. Extraordinary experiences,like floating over the rock formations in Capadoccia in a hot air balloon and watching the sunrise. Enjoyed ever moment of that beautiful country and its people.
Mira is truly great and what a resource! I have shared many of her posts and announcements with friends from around the world. Mira ROCKS!
I met Mira after her brain injury. Knowing this scintillating woman, I often wonder what she was like BEFORE the accident. She’s close to divine now: generous, funny, charismatic. Oh, and she knows how to write!
Mira, thank you for your wonderful website. Your generosity gives me faith in humanity.
Mira’s List is a great resource. I so appreciated the extensive research that she offers to all of us!
Mira does such an excellent service for artists like myself who might otherwise have the time or ability to stay on top of what’s going on around us. KUDOs to Mira. namaste
Essential to moving the art forward, and she’s right there with us!
The best there is and insanely generous….
Getting an update from Mira’s list is always like a present. She is an amazing woman and Mira’s list is a wonderful resource for artist’s and creative types.
The interviews she has begun writing are so insightful and I love reading about people in the arts and their stories.
Mira’s List is more update and thorough than most other sites with a similar topic (even when those other ones are run by a team of paid stuff). It is systematic and well-intentioned and as such a helpful tool for anyone interested in all sorts of opportunities in variegated arts.
I’ve been checking it roughly two-three times a month ever since I discovered it (as it usually gives ample notice before the deadlines) and am sure I will continue to do so.
Mira’s list is a generous gift to artists.
Mira’s List is professional, informative and opens a world of opportunity and gain for artists. I constantly hear of Mira’s List from artist circles to prestigious professional artist programs…and, in turn, I spread the good word. Go Mira!
Mira,
Thank you for your availability and generous spirit.
your input is invaluable.
thank you for providing this blog.
Excellent resource awash with tips and avenues to further career, or take time off to develop work.
A must!
AHC
MIRA’S LIST is excellent. It provides unusual opportunities not seen elsewhere to which international i.e. non North American artists may apply. Keep up the good work!
Mira’s List has so many resources. There was information I would not been able to find or be aware of if it wasn’t for Mira’s List. Thank you so much.
Mira’s List is fantastic! It has helped me countless times in applying for grants and for residencies. I refer all of my artist and writer friends to the site. Keep up the good work, Mira!
Hey everyone, I just saw all these comments from you guys! Thank you! You are all so supportive and sweet. I’m beyond words. xoxo Mirabee
I wish the govt had a grant for photographers to travel around the United States, capturing American life … Yeah i wish
hey, just wanted to inform you that your page has not been showing properly in ie 8 but after few refreshesh it turned out fine again. Keep in the good work.
I loved your interview on NPR. You Rock! as always dear one.