Learning Community of Artists: Best Business Practices Program
This professional development program is designed to empower visual artists from all disciplines to take the next step in building sustainable art businesses. The program is a discussion rather than a lecture-based format and teaches both theory and hands-on skills with an emphasis on adult, interactive learning. Many of the learning outcomes are self-selected and self-directed, respectful of scheduling and learning-style preferences. Some presentations and discussions will draw heavily on facilitator and community member knowledge and skills. Others will require the services of UW-L art or business faculty or staff, business proprietors, arts organization directors or consultants.
Why should you apply?
- Over a 10-month period, you will work together and explore common issues of artist-run businesses, learning how to achieve financial success without sacrificing creativity.
- Throughout the months, you will constantly share resources, observations, and best practices.
- Our guest speakers will share their expertise with you.
- You will have the chance to meet and to discuss common interests and concerns.
- You will build a strong network system, research and discuss resources, receive support, mentoring and peer critiques.
- You will choose curriculum that will increase your knowledge base, have the most impact on your business plan, and connect to your learning objectives.
- You will complete assignments between community meetings to focus on implementation of newly-developed business skills.
- Near the end of the program, a celebration involving members of the communities, families, friends, other artists and friends of the arts will showcase these capstone projects. (Optional)
- You will participate in the participants' reunion shows. (Optional)
This program will offer artists a core curriculum on:
- Producing artwork for profit
- Learning general business management skills
- Developing marketing strategies to increase sales
- Learning about record keeping, tax and legal issues, best business insurance options, technologies, resource development, etc.
Martina Skobic -bio
Learning Community of Artists Facilitator
Meeting Time
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Meeting Dates
September 19, 2012
October 17, 2012
November 28, 2012
December 19, 2012
January 16, 2013
February 20, 2013
March 20, 2013
April 17, 2013
May 15, 2013
June 19, 2013
Location
Wimberly Hall, UW-La Crosse campus
Cost
Your cost for the entire program is only $195.
Community Size
12 to 20 artists in each community
For More Information
Call 608.785.8783 or send an e-mail to sbdc@uwlax.edu
