Last month, Sally Moussawi (she/they) delivered a holistic budgeting workshop with ArtsSU aimed at equipping UAL students with fundamental financial skills that are designed to empower budding artists and community group members to bridge the gap between financial pragmatism and artistic integrity.
Together, we explored the different barriers to financial literacy, how to read and write budgets as a site of setting intentions and how to read and write a cashflow forecast, all whilst continually underscoring the intersectionality of participatory budgeting with political, artistic practice.
The workshop commenced with an insightful examination of the multifaceted barriers that often hinder individuals from attaining financial literacy, recognising the diverse socio-economic backgrounds and systemic challenges that shape one's relationship with money. Sally presented us with a Venn Diagram illustrating the relationship between three key barriers to money confidence:
- Structural: Racial Capitalism, Gender, Race, Ablism, Sexuality etc
- Technical: Fundraising, Excel, Forecasting, (lack of) Agency etc
- Psychic: Anger, Shame, PTSD etc
Through interactive discussions on how this diagram applies to us, what our own ideas of wealth/resources are, and practical exercises based on an example community budget, we dived into the nuances of Excel and cashflow forecasting, viewing it not merely as a tool for financial management but as a dynamic process of aligning personal values with monetary intentions and highlighting how a robust understanding of cash flow dynamics can empower creatives and community groups to navigate their projects sustainably.
The workshop served as a tool for exploring the transformative potential of participatory budgeting, defined by PBP as a democratic process in which community members decide how to spend part of a public budget. By fostering an environment of collaborative decision-making and resource allocation, we were encouraged to envision alternative models of financial governance that prioritise equity, inclusivity, and community-driven initiatives. Through raw discussions and hands-on case studies, we gained insight into harnessing the power of participatory budgeting as a catalyst for social change and collective empowerment within and beyond the restrictions of capitalism
In reflection, the workshop with ArtsSU and Sally Moussawi introduced UAL students to practical financial skills and ignited a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of financial literacy, authenticity, and social activism.
Missed the workshop but interested in learning more? See below for the resources Sally has shared with us:
A bookkeeping coop: https://bookkeeping.coop/home/
Next economy: https://www.lifteconomy.com/podcast
MoneySavingExpert: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/
Mutual Aid by Dean Spade: https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/dean-spade-mutual-aid
Article written by Evie Harman