Apply Now: NYSCA/NYFA Artist as Entrepreneur Program, Presented by Bronx Arts Council

Artists of all disciplines who live and work near Bronx County are encouraged to apply to participate in this free entrepreneurial program, taking place in June 2022.

Applications are now open for the NYSCA/NYFA Artist as Entrepreneur Program, a professional development program that will take place in person in June 2022 in the Bronx in New York City. It 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 Bronx Council on the Arts as part of a series of ongoing professional development programs for the arts communities in New York State.

The NYSCA/NYFA Artist as Entrepreneur Program is an intensive, multi-day in-person* professional development opportunity that delves into the fundamental principles of sustainability in the arts. Content will be customized in light of the current challenges artists are facing everywhere. The program will also specifically target issues for artists located in the Bronx, and will be presented with this perspective in mind.

The program benefits artists of all disciplines and stages of their career, who are looking to identify new ways of thinking and approaching their arts practice while seeking a community of like-minded peer artists.

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 flexible and dynamic tools that will help to provide a blueprint for their practice and/or specific projects.

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.

*We are planning for an in-person program, implemented in accordance with local and state health guidelines. The program will be moved online, if necessary.

NYFA will be accepting applications from now through Monday, April 18, 11:59 PM EDT.

Program Dates:

Thursday, June 9, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT:
Overview of Artist As Entrepreneur and Participant Introductions

Intensive: Friday, June 10; Saturday, June 11; and Sunday, June 12; 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
This three day intensive includes:

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.

*The dates listed above are planned for an in-person program, implemented in accordance with local and state health guidelines.

Location: Bronx Council on the Arts, 2700 E Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY 10461

Attendance is mandatory to all sessions. Please check your calendar before applying.

How to Apply:

Apply via Submittable by Monday, April 18, 11:59 PM EDT.
First-time users will need to register with Submittable to access the application portal.

Eligibility:

• Open to artists living and working within all five boroughs of New York City. Priority will be given to artists based in Bronx County. Artists are also encouraged to share any connection to the borough and its communities.*
• Open to artists in all disciplines and career stages, including students.
• Must show proof of vaccination and follow Covid-19 safety protocols (listed below).

*For example, perhaps you grew up in the area or have done significant community-based work in the borough.

Guidelines:

For the application we ask you provide:

• 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 (up to 10) with an artist statement and description.

Notification Date: May 9

Questions? For questions about the program, contact NYFA at [email protected] and include “Bronx Council on the Arts” in the subject line. For technical questions regarding submittable, please contact Submittable support. For questions regarding local knowledge, contact Bronx Council on the Arts at [email protected].

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 April 4 to allow adequate time for staff to support you in submitting an application before the deadline.

Covid Safety Protocols

Current NYC COVID safety protocols will be observed throughout the program. Attendees must be vaccinated to attend, and will be asked to show their vaccine card or the Excelsior Pass at the beginning of each daily session. Masks must be worn by all attendees during workshops and presentations.

Testimonials:

Taking the next step in developing your art career is challenging. NYFA’s Artist as Entrepreneur workshop provided a great amount of information and support in a safe and open environment where everyone was free to share their experiences. I was able to meet artists from my community in different disciplines that I may have not met otherwise. Advice from professional financial advisors and lawyers clarified many questions I had. Future access to their services was also provided. It was less than a week ago, but my goals have already become more focused and taking the next step doesn’t feel overwhelming anymore.

Christine Moss, 2021 NYFA/NYSCA Artist as Entrepreneur Program presented by Arts Mid-Hudson

I feel very privileged to have been chosen among the participants of the recent NYFA Entrepreneurial Workshop given in Kingston. The NYFA Staff were helpful, organized the order of speakers well, and are very articulate. The presenters all had expertise in their various fields. I learned a lot about how to protect myself in my business and how to begin making a living from my paintings. I particularly enjoyed the break-out session at the very end of the workshop. I met a number of interesting, local artists from a variety of disciples. The workshop was well organized and situated in a clean, comfortable, well-lit space with parking close-by. Thank you so much!

Pam Krimsky, 2021 NYFA/NYSCA Artist as Entrepreneur Program presented by Arts Mid-Hudson

This program is made possible through New York State Council on the Arts, State & Local Partnerships with the support of the Governor’s Office 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.