Let's Talk About Debt, Baby! Caitlin Mary Margarett on Student Debt and Arts Education

Artalogue

Let's talk about debt, baby! What does it mean to take on thousands of dollars in debt as an artist?
This week's conversation with performance artist Caitlin Mary Margarett Sørensdatter explores how the Midwest's transformed prairie landscapes serves as a canvas for CMM's work, spotlighting the cultural and ecological shifts that urge us to rethink our relationship with a changing world.
Our conversation takes a turn to the all-too-familiar struggle with student debt, a reality that many in the creative fields take on to pursue our dreams. Caitlin opens up about her experiences navigating student finance as a teenager at the University of Northern Iowa, where the pursuit of an arts degree came with a heavy price tag. We delve into how that debt is affecting her today as well as Caitlin's honest account of the systemic barriers to low income students within the American education system. The episode reaches its crescendo as we dissect the artistic growth within the demanding environment of an MFA program, and whether going to university is necessary to become an artist.
Follow Caitlin on Instagram: @caitlin_mary_margarett
Check out Caitlin's website: https://www.caitlinmarymargarett.com/

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Madison Beale, Host
Croocial, Production
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Chapters

1. Exploring Performance, Landscape, and Environmental Concerns (00:00:00)

2. Student Debt Challenges in the Arts (00:15:35)

3. Navigating Artistic Development and Pursuing Education (00:25:00)

4. Student Challenges, Financial Impact (00:29:26)