We recently connected with Lena Wu and have shared our conversation below.
Lena, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
I wish I had started my creative career earlier. After graduating, I found there were limited opportunities for unsigned or individual artists to showcase themselves. Most performers end up joining paid groups or companies, which often involve strict requirements and touring commitments, leaving little room for personal expression. Unfortunately, many musicians are left teaching just to make living, while only the big stars get noticed.
If I had started earlier, I might have had more time to develop my unique voice and build a supportive network in the creative community. It’s frustrating to see so few platforms for emerging talent, and I believe more opportunities would help artists thrive instead of just blending into the background.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hello! I’m Lena Wu, the founder of eastwestartistrynyc, where I’m passionate about hosting artist showcases and social meet-up events. My journey into this industry began after I graduated and observed the challenging landscape for artists in NYC. Many performances required artists to sell their own tickets or pay to perform at open mics, often showcasing predominantly white, Western talent. I rarely saw Asian artists represented unless they were behind the scenes in production. Frustrated with this model, I decided to create a space that prioritizes diversity and inclusivity.
I specialize in organizing free showcases and meet-up events that highlight the incredible talent of artists from various ethnic backgrounds. Each event is designed to foster connections between artists and audiences, encouraging meaningful interactions beyond just performances.
I aim to address the challenges many artists face in finding platforms to showcase their work. I provide public spaces, promotional support, and even photography and video services to help them gain visibility. My goal is to create an environment where emerging talent feels valued and heard.
What sets me apart in this industry is my commitment to connecting artists with their audiences in a down-to-earth setting. After-show meet-ups are integral to my events, allowing for organic relationship-building and the cultivation of dedicated followers. I feature a diverse array of performers—from musicians to comedians, and from Broadway to pop—ensuring that each showcase is unique and engaging.
I’m particularly proud of the Salmungadi Gallery event, which attracted over 100 attendees and featured an incredible lineup, including cello, piano, Broadway, and opera performances. It was a night to remember!
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is rooted in culture, authenticity, community, and innovation. I’m excited to share my journey with you and invite you to join me for our upcoming monthly showcases and artist events. Thank you for taking the time to learn about me—I can’t wait to connect!
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Governments and organizations can play a vital role by providing grants, subsidies, and low-interest loans specifically for artists and creative projects. This financial support can alleviate the burden of initial costs, enabling more individuals to pursue their artistic endeavors. However, my experience with applying for grants has been challenging; I often don’t hear back and wonder how many others apply or if funding primarily favors visual artists and non-profit organizations. As a classical opera singer, I find that opportunities for funding in my field are scarce, and many artists rely on teaching or low-paid gigs, which can undervalue our contributions. Just like visual artists, musicians deserve adequate support and recognition.
Additionally, establishing more diverse and inclusive performance spaces and galleries is crucial. These platforms should prioritize underrepresented artists, ensuring they have the opportunity to showcase their work and reach wider audiences.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that success in the arts is solely defined by external validation—such as awards, big performances, or public recognition.
The turning point came after I started hosting showcases for fellow artists. I witnessed firsthand the joy and fulfillment that came from simply sharing our work and connecting with others, regardless of external accolades. This experience taught me that the value of art lies in the impact it has on individuals and communities, not just in the accolades it receives.
Now, I focus on creating meaningful experiences and fostering connections through my work, which has brought me a deeper sense of satisfaction and purpose. I’ve learned that true success is about staying true to my passion and nurturing the artistic community around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sopranolenawu.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastwestartistrynyc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565663165880
