ENTREPRENEUR BIZ TIPS: Art Entrepreneurship: From Hobbyists to Lobbyists | Marco Pavé | TEDxMemphis

ENTREPRENEUR BIZ TIPS: Art Entrepreneurship: From Hobbyists to Lobbyists | Marco Pavé | TEDxMemphis

Here’s Great Tip: Art Entrepreneurship: From Hobbyists to Lobbyists | Marco Pavé | TEDxMemphis


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Rapper, business owner and activist, Marco Pavé delivers an inspiring talk on how the arts saved his life. Beyond his individual story, Marco discusses how “cradle-to-career” arts policy that focuses on infrastructure to support artists can boost the local economy, address poverty by creating pathways to entrepreneurship, and consequently deter crime.

Memphis native Marco Pavé sits at the intersection of hip-hop, arts communities, technology, and local activism, harnessing the power of music to transform his city. He is Project Pat meets KRS-One, spitting an urban country consciousness with a confidence that could only emerge from coming of age as a Muslim Millennial in North Memphis. As the leader of Radio Rahim Music, Marco is committed to his community as well as his music. He uses his music as a pathway to build partnerships and influence how organizations engage with Memphis communities through art. Memphis’ robust arts community is poised to empower diverse community members to identify local issues and develop ongoing solutions. He has partnered with Memphis grassroots organizations, government officials, schools and universities, activists, and local entrepreneurs on various projects that have transformed how the city of Memphis tackles such issues as literacy and economic development.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

10 Replies to “ENTREPRENEUR BIZ TIPS: Art Entrepreneurship: From Hobbyists to Lobbyists | Marco Pavé | TEDxMemphis”

  1. This is a great speech. He makes his best points toward the end. Problem is, our system of capitalism doesn't really support the arts. Also artists tend to go against the grain, to rebel against authority, so some people don't want artists to have much influence over society.

    Would be great, though, if there was a way to enable artists to earn a living doing art. Maybe the solution lies in nonprofits that pay artists (I include musicians, writers and actors in this category too) to showcase their work.

    There's also a lot of nepotism in the arts industry. We'd have to find a way to create opportunities for people of all class backgrounds. Right now, the arts seem to just be a playground for the rich. (I'm speaking as an artist myself.)

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