Apply Now | NYSCA/NYFA Artist as Entrepreneur Program in Western New York
Artists living and working in the counties of Niagara, Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany are invited to join this free online entrepreneurial program presented by Arts Services Inc. (ASI) in March 2021.
Applications are now open for the NYSCA/NYFA Artist as Entrepreneur Program. This professional development program, which will take place online in March 2021 in Western New York, will be presented free of charge to selected participants by New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) in partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts’ State & Local Partnerships program and Arts Services Inc. (ASI) as part of a series of ongoing professional development programs for arts communities in New York State.
The NYSCA/NYFA Artist as Entrepreneur Program is an intensive, multi-day professional development program that delves into the fundamental principles of sustainability in the arts. Featured topics will include strategic planning, finance, law, marketing, and fundraising, with additional material drawn from NYFA’s popular textbook The Profitable Artist (Allworth Press, 2018). The structure is a blend of workshops, discussions, and breakout groups. Participants will work through a flexible and dynamic “action plan,” and other entrepreneurial tools that provide a blueprint for their practice or specific projects. Content will be customized in light of the current challenges artists are facing, and will be presented with this perspective in mind.
There is no charge to participate in the NYSCA/NYFA Artist as Entrepreneur Program. Artists of all disciplines(Visual, Multidisciplinary, Performing, Literary, Interdisciplinary, Social Practice, Folk and Traditional, Film, Video and New Media) and career stages, including college students, are encouraged to apply. Those interested in attending are required to apply; participants will be selected through a panel review process.
NYFA will be accepting applications from now through Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 11:59 PM EST.
Program Dates:
Thursday, March 11, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM EST
Overview of Artist As Entrepreneur and participant introductions with mini-breaks included.
Saturday-Sunday March 13-14 and Saturday-Sunday March 20-21
The workshops and panels of these online intensives will take place in two time slots: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM EST each day, with mini-breaks included.
This part of the program will feature:
1. Workshops and panels on strategic planning, marketing, finance, art law, and fundraising.
2. A work sample review based on each artist’s application submission to the program.
3. Individual presentations of action plans in small groups to close the program.
Attendance is mandatory for all sessions. Please check your calendar before applying.
How to Apply:
Apply via Submittable* by Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 11:59 PM EST.
*First-time users will need to register with Submittable to access the application portal.
Eligibility:
- Open to artists in all disciplines and career stages including college students
- Artists living and working in New York State, with priority given to artists in Niagara, Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties (placing priority focus on Niagara)
Guidelines:
For the application we ask you provide:
- Your long term goals and why you are interested in applying to this program
- A narrative bio of your professional career
- A link to your website or online presence
- Work samples with the work statement and the description
Notification: On or before Thursday, February 18, 2021
Questions regarding the application process: Contact NYFA and include “ASI” in the subject line.
To request an accommodation or assistance in applying, please email [email protected]. We ask that requests for accommodation be made as soon as possible or by January 27, 2021 to allow adequate time for staff to support you in submitting an application before the deadline.
Questions regarding local knowledge: Contact ASI.
Testimonials:
I want to thank NYFA for accepting me into the Artist as Entrepreneur Program. When I received the acceptance letter I was overjoyed and excited about learning as much as I could about running a business as an artist. The program exceeded my expectations and helped me identify the areas I need to work on to sustain my business as a Playwright and Music Producer. I know I have a lot of work to do to make my dreams and goals a reality, but I left the program feeling charged, empowered, and ready to continue growing and putting my plans into action. THANK YOU for making a positive impact on my life and encouraging me to keep my creative light on!
Gloria Harrison-Hall, Performing Arts , 2019 NYSCA/NYFA Artist As Entrepreneur Program presented by Saratoga Arts
It is an incredible opportunity for an artist to have dedicated time set aside to learn, share, contemplate, and envision a profitable future at the Artist as Entrepreneur Program. The best part of the program is to also have a network of experts, resources, and a welcoming ecosystem surrounded by inspiring fellow creatives to take with you when done. Highly recommended!
Huey-Min Chuang, Cross-Disciplinary, 2019 NYSCA/NYFA Artist As Entrepreneur Program presented by Saratoga Arts
This program is made possible through New York State Council on the Arts, State & Local Partnerships with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
This program is part of NYFA Learning, which includes professional development for artists and arts administrators. Sign up for NYFA’s free bi-weekly newsletter to receive updates on future programs.
