Zoe Rayn Evans
Zoe Rayn Evans
Programming & Events Professional / Founder & Curator, Caldera Magazine®
New York City, NY • Philadelphia, PA • Chicago, IL
www.calderamag.com
instagram @zoe.rayn
instagram @caldera.magazine
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“In short - public programming, events, curatorial work & marketing within the visual and performing arts realm!”
In more detail - I develop and implement dynamic gatherings, shows, forums and workshops for artists, art enthusiasts, youth and the general public alike.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I worked my ass off! As cliche as it may seem, I never take ‘no’ for an answer, and I always have a plan b, c, and d. From my first internship onward I always made a point to ask to work on the biggest projects, to challenge myself and learn more but also to showcase my ability to run with the big dogs regardless of my age.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Honesty. I learned very quickly how unproductive people pleasing and formalities can be in the arts. The only way to push a project, idea or theme to success is by looking at it objectively, and while there are certainly no ‘bad’ ideas, there are over done and unoriginal ones.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Currently I just launched Caldera Magazine®, a print and online publication dedicated to presenting the voices and art by people of color and the LGBTQIA communities. In our first issue “Forty-Five” artists, writers and creatives were invited to express their experiences post-Trump in their respective mediums and our next issue will delve into the world of gender and what that even means now.
Off line, we also host public events and forums to have those uncomfortable conversations about representation in the arts but also to have some fun in a safe inclusive space!!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Caldera Magazine® is my all encompassing project that is certainly a nod to my personal taste(s)! I would also include the “Truth to Power” exhibition for the 2016 National Democratic Convention in terms of perspective.
I gravitate towards politically informed art and projects (visual and performing) and this was by far the largest show I’ve seen/been a part of that showcased work doing just that.
"An Immigrant Alphabet" is also near and dear to my heart pertaining to perspective. This was a huge public art installation created by 18 high school students identifying as immigrants or refugees. They came together with the help of a renowned photographer to create a new alphabet representative of the immigrant experience, and it is again, politically charged work with a huge impact!
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I used to work more in educational programming for kids and I LOVED it!! Kids + Art = Magic every.single.time. and I’d be stoked to do that more again!
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Frankly funding! With Caldera Magazine® I refused to include advertisements as I think they can really muddy down quality content. But doing so came at a high cost, that I’m currently paying for out of my own pocket. I’ve looked into grants and such but just haven’t had the time to fully dedicate to the level of research required to move forward with any applications.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Write grants and conduct in-depth market research!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I would corner my 18 year old self and tell her -
“ENOUGH with the cat eyeliner and hollister flannels!!!”
I would also tell her that sometimes you just need to jump out of the window and worry about the landing later.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
SEO, demographic research and general coding/UX design. I’m learning as I go in terms of running an online platform so help with these areas would be much obliged!
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Ideally I’m looking to work on curatorial projects and events/programming for artists, galleries or other cultural institutions.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
An ideal client/job would be a gallery/artist looking to make art accessible by way of public programming and events. I have extensive experience creating curriculums for educational workshops (for both youth and adults) and would love to do more of it!
On the flip side though, I also LIVE for large scale exhibitions with corresponding programs, so anything in that category as well!
Regardless of the project they should also be open and clear in their communication.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
I’d love to give a straight forward answer, but this is definitely case-by-case. If a I’m working on a series of programs (with an end date) I would charge a ‘package fee’ of sorts. For one off events either hourly or a flat rate, pending the clients preference and needs!
For example, a theater program I worked with for 4 years offered a flat rate as the work needed was consistent and ongoing. For the winter season (November - March) I charged $1,200.
For pop-up/one off events, like a gallery opening or artist talk (up to 4 hrs), I charge between $250 and $400 pending the scale, venue, logistical planning needed.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
I check my email so much I’d consider it a nervous twitch, so email is my preferred method (zoeraynevans@gmail.com OR calderamag@gmail.com).
As I’ve stated, I’m not one for formalities, so just reach out and give me the “you rock, I rock, lets rock together” pitch so we can get down to business!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Keep it funky!
This member profile was originally published in March 2018.