The City of Austin Economic Development Department (EDD) is launching a new professional development training for artists called Artist Career Training. The 6-week program will increase participants’ knowledge on how to make their arts business sustainable and profitable.

Austin area artists from all disciplines are encouraged to apply online at www.austintexas.gov/artistcareertraining between December 1, 2017 and January 26, 2018.

EDD’s Small Business Program will host the 6-week seminar beginning March 27 and continuing on consecutive Tuesday evenings, 6:30-9:30 p.m., through May 1, 2018. Local arts professionals and subject matter experts Brooks Rice, Lisa Bargsley, Anne-Marie McKaskle Davis and LaToya Collins will lead discussions on skills that will help artists with business success during the training sessions along with City staff.
The selected cohort leaves with a better understanding of City resources, business canvas, goal setting, budgeting, tax law, protecting their intellectual property, marketing best practices, project proposal outline and gains a professional peer network. The program culminates in a Proposal Pitch Competition with an opportunity for cash awards.

24 artists will be selected for the program through a competitive application process. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of community arts leaders and artists representing a range of artistic disciplines. Criteria for acceptance are focused on the quality of artistic work, with consideration given for an artist’s career goals and overall readiness for the program. If accepted into the program, participants will be charged a one-time fee of $150. It is free to apply.

Week 1: Goal Setting and Business Canvas
Week 2: Marketing and Social Media Strategies
Week 3: Copyright, Business Structure, Contracts, and Partnerships
Week 4: Budgeting and Taxes
Week 5: Grants and Fundraising
Week 6: Proposal Pitch Night

For questions about the program, contact the program manager, Calder Kamin at calder.kamin@austintexas.gov or 512-974-7845.