On Prioritizing People Over Profits: Faiza Kracheni
Leading up to our Summer ‘20 iteration of WORK, we'll feature select interviews with some of our conference's speakers and thought leaders. In conversation with bbatx staff member Margeaux Labat, nonprofit educator and experimental artist Faiza Kracheni discusses how her creative and professional work intertwine, the origins of Transform Film Festival, and her top methods of self-care.
WHO: FAIZA KRACHENI
Faiza Kracheni is an experimental media artist, nonprofit leader, musician, and educator in Austin, Texas.
She is currently a Director at Motion Media Arts Center, co-founder of Texan women’s film festival Transform, and a member of the UNESCO Media Arts Austin board. You can often find her making music with her bands/projects, creating experimental art pieces, or teaching film/new media classes around Texas and beyond.
1.) Can you tell us a little bit about your background and current work, both as an experimental media artist and nonprofit educator?
I have been a Director of Motion Media Arts Center since 2012. My official title is Education & Programs Director but in the nonprofit sector Directors typically take on many roles at the organization.
Prior to joining the team as Director, I had worked with the organization on revamping and restructuring analog film classes/experimental exhibitions (that we still teach to do today) including accessibility to tools, resources, and very special methods of creating film & media. This is where my passion for teaching stemmed from, and I have been teaching ever since. I teach/lead all analog film classes at the Austin School of Film as well as teach periodically at fellow Texan organizations such as Mexican American Cultural Center, El Buen Samaritano, etc. On the other hand, I am always learning. Through the organization, I get to meet so many talented people!
I have been playing music and making films for over half my life (for reference, I am 32), primarily rooted in DIY ethos, punk, and experimental media. I have toured/shown work all around the US, Canada, Mexico… I miss touring and playing live so badly right now! My role at the organization and my role as an artist go hand and hand. The organization is 100% run and staffed by artists + filmmakers. We are truly led by creators of all mediums. This makes the balance of work/life enjoyable + inspiring, to say the least.
2.) As a speaker in our WORK Conference, you'll be talking about leadership in times of renewal. So, we're curious—how do you make difficult decisions? Do you have any guiding principles or values that help you when times are tough?
People over profits. Something each and every person at our organization understands and is passionate about is access. True access. We have many discussions (almost daily) about access, accountability, and community.
3.) Let's explore the film festival you've co-founded, Transform. How did that come to be and what does the festival look like today?
Danea and Larissa (the other badasses I run the festival with) are artists/activists who I have worked with before through various organizations (Women’s Community Center of Central Texas, Hive, etc). They came to talk with me one day in 2017 about this idea, and we sat down to chat. Everything happened organically from there. We wanted to see a true film festival with real tangible prizes for Texan women and women involved in every single aspect (photography, graphic design, committee, judges, food etc). So, we created it.
4.) On top of your leadership position in the nonprofit creative space, you're also a musician. How do you make time for your art, alongside your other roles?
The two coexist everyday. They are one and the same to me. My life as an artist is my life as a nonprofit leader. My life as an educator is an extension of my life as an artist and activist. It all goes hand and hand in my daily life.
You will hear things like, “I need this day off because I have an audition,” or “I will be on tour then, can you help me take care of it?” at our offices. We want to support folks in the continuation of creating new work.
5.) Right now, we're all about resilience and creative wellness. What are some things that you do to take care of yourself?
Creating and performing is my self-care #1. Nothing feels quite like going on tour, playing a show, meeting new people, meeting new bands, eating lots of gas station snacks (lol), and all the wacky crazy shit that comes with it.
I know I am not the only musician who has been grasping for different ways to interact with their music during this time. It’s hard when making music with your friends is your everything and to have it gone.
My #2 is watching films. The reason I love surrealist/experimental films is because you get totally lost. You expand your belief in reality for just a second to be fully immersed in the creator’s mind. It’s magical.
About WORK: WORK is a biannual conference, exploring ideas and approaches to creative, collaborative and entrepreneurial work. Hosting 300 guests every summer and winter, this biannual, one-day event's panels, workshops and speaker sessions touch on personal and professional development, marketing, wellness, business management and entrepreneurship. ✨Click here for more information.
