Were They Nice?

• • 3ARTS MATCH
  • 101% contributed

How realistic is it for anyone to walk around 24 hours a day being “nice” to every person they meet? In a world where we  are constantly being held to impossible standards and expectations of respectability politics, this podcast is intended to give space for artists to be human. This platform celebrates artists' lives and encourages audiences to embrace the real human behind the artwork.

About This Project

I’m a Broadway actor and the mother of a TV star who has experienced a lot of people; artists, creatives, celebrities, and many other unique personalities. This podcast, “Were They Nice?” is inspired by my encounters with these art lovers.  After meeting a notable artist or celebrity, people ask the same question – ”were they nice?” I began to wonder why people did that. Why does it matter that people are “nice” to us when we meet them? Then, I started to think of the artist who is constantly under pressure to be “nice” no matter how they feel or what they’re going through. “Were They Nice” is a  safe space for artists where they don’t have to feel the pressure of  pretending to be perfect for their audience. Artists are more than artists…we are human. Through this podcast, I will lift that up in good and glorious ways. 

I have witnessed and experienced first hand how dehumanizing an artists’ experience can be. During a particularly tough moment in my life, I felt as though folks around me cared more about what I was producing rather than how I was doing. Instead of asking “how are you?” they would ask “what’s next?” At that moment, I didn’t want to be “nice”, I wanted to be honest. I wanted them to see me as the full person that I am. This project will highlight the full spectrum of an artists’ journey. From painters who practice law, to performers who are teachers and entrepreneurs, “Were They Nice” provides a space for artists to share who they truly are. By asking about their life story, their dreams, and even their favorite cuss word, this podcast will share the humanity of the artists we know and love. This isn’t about whether or not they were “nice” it’s about who they are. 

I’m excited to bring this podcast to the world on Youtube by Summer 2026. Creating a podcast is not only about the vision, it also needs a plan for marketing, good quality equipment, and community support – which is where you come in. By contributing to this project you will help me secure funds for the necessary recording equipment, editing software, and hiring a graphic designer to help create marketing materials. “Were They Nice” is bigger than me, it’s for the artist community to be vulnerable and real with each other about our life experiences. I hope you will join me in helping tell these important stories.

Thank yous

Contribute any amount or choose from the levels below.

• $50
  Social Media shout out ($25.00 is tax deductible.)
• $100
  Raffle ticket entry to win (2) tickets to Chicago showing of Alicia Keys’ Hit Broadway Show- Hell’s Kitchen w/ Stage Door meet-up ($82.00 is tax deductible.)
• $250
  Your name will be listed as a "Gold Sponsor" in the "Were They Nice?" Podcast show credits ($200.00 is tax deductible.)
• $500
  Your name will be listed as a "Platinum Sponsor" in the "Were They Nice?" Podcast show credits ($50.00 is tax deductible.)

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Rashada Dawan

Walder Foundation Award

Rashada Dawan (she/they/them) is a native of the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago. When she was 3 years old, her mother was killed in a hit-and-run by a drunk driver. And because she was raised by her amazing father and …

View Rashada Dawan's profile

• 1 update
• 24 supporters

• Update 1: GOAL REACHED!!!

  Posted on June 20, 2025

  

   

  WE DID IT! Thank you so much for helping me reach my goal of $4k to start my "Were They Nice?" podcast in under 2 WEEKS! Because of you, I will be able to get started on an entirely new adventure of producing a podcast (here's to a healthy and fun electronic foot print).

  I anticipate the launch date to be in August 2026. So, when it's ready, YOU will be the first to know! As for now, I will begin my social media Thank You shout outs and get the Hell's Kitchen raffle ready for all donors who gave over $100! The lucky winners of the two tickets will be announced and emailed on Saturday, July 26th at 12p. Donors of over $250, get ready to be listed as the official first sponsors of the show! Can't wait to get started.

  Thanks again and I speak your donation return to you 10x fold! 

  Love.

  ~Rashada 

• Thank you to the following for contributing to 3Arts with the recommendation that we support this project.

  • Jill Vialet

  • Venita Abrams

  • Quenna Barrett

  • Rebecca Spence

  • Maurice Dortch

  • Yvonne Welbon

  • Lori Crenshaw

  • Jodi Wartenberg

  • Michelle Boone

  • Colleen McDaniel

  • Anonymous Supporter

  • Franchot Givens

  • Anonymous Supporter

  • Anonymous Supporter

  • Jasmine James

  • Kellie Wilson

  • Eric Davis

  • Royce Hall

  • ANONYMOUS ANONYMOUS

  • Bertina Lampkin

  • Sukhari Shaw

  • Billy Boston

  • Anonymous Supporter

  • Chris Lautenslager

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