To help make sure "starving artist" doesn't describe you, here is information about a program that helps artists become entrepreneurs. It is open to artists throughout South Florida, and some former students I know have raved about it. Despite the fact this is put on by Broward County, all South Florida artists are welcome, its organizers say.
Broward Cultural Division, The Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC), and ArtServe Inc. announce The Artist as an Entrepreneur Institute (AEI) for South Florida artists to be presented on four Saturdays in June 2012, at ArtServe, Inc., 1350 East Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.
The AEI is a course of study designed to assist individual artists of all disciplines (visual, musicians, writers, media, theater, performing arts) by cultivating and advancing their business skills, and is designed at strengthening their operating infrastructure and expanding their businesses. The course has been refreshed this year with a new format, and new modules. To date, 300 South Florida artists have graduated from the Institute. AEI will be offered as 20 classes convening during full-day sessions (9:00 am – 6:00 pm) on June 2, 9, 16, 2012 and a Business Plan Clinic and Workshop on June 23, 2012 (9:00 am – 2:00 pm).
Registrants will receive an AEI course book, an indispensable resource tailored to the specific needs of artist entrepreneurs.
The Business Plan Clinic guides participants through preparation of a simple business plan, an essential tool for any artist. In addition, participants will learn how to work effectively with lenders to obtain financial support through the Artist Micro Credit Program, a community-based revolving loan program, designed to assist resident Broward County practicing professional and emerging artists.
Designed to help artists operate in the marketplace more successfully, the AEI course curriculum covers all aspects of developing an artistic business. It helps artists identify and develop their personal brand, develop strategies for communicating with target markets, raise capital and identify a variety of tools for protecting one’s work legally.
Participation costs $100 and includes light refreshments and free parking. Click HERE to register online or contact Broward Cultural Division’s Grants Management Specialist Adriane Clarke, at 954-357-7530 for more information.