Artist Career Training is a six-week program to advance your creative business. Learn from subject matter experts about City resources, business planning, intellectual property, marketing, and funding. You’ll also meet with mentors and expand your professional network.

A non-refundable, one-time course fee of $150 will be charged to selected participants

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Program Details

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants: 

  • Creative professionals from all disciplines who have at least 2 years of work to show. 
  • Individuals 18 years of age and older on the date of the application. 
  • Individuals must reside in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson Counties.  

 

Ineligible Applicants: 

 

Training

Training is expected to begin in the fall of 2024 at the City of Austin Economic Development Department offices at 5202 E. Ben White Blvd. A light dinner will be provided. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated when possible. 

Attending all classes and completing the homework is vital to ensuring participants gain the maximum benefit of the program. Participants will receive a training workbook and The Business of Art: An Artist’s Guide to Profitable Self-Employment book. 

Topics include:  

  • 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 - Develop grant proposal 
  • Week 6: Proposal Pitch Night - $500, $750, and $1,000 prize to three winners 

Application Details

Application Materials

Acceptable file formats include: .csv, .doc, .docx, .odt, .pdf, .rtf, .txt, .wpd, .wpf, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .svg, .tif, .tiff. Max file upload: 10MB  

Application Materials include: 

  • Upload five images or video links that demonstrates at least 2 years of active participation in the creative sector. Videos must be no longer than three minutes. Include title, date, medium, and scale of images, title and date for performances.   
  • Upload a resume or curriculum vitae.  
  • Upload a brief biography. (4-5 sentences)  

 

Application Review Process

Up to 24 creatives will be selected for the program through a competitive application process by a panel of community arts leaders and practitioners representing a range of artistic disciplines. We strive to balance many factors in each selection process to create a diverse and equitable cohort. 

Criteria for acceptance include:  

  • Quality of Artistic Work 
  • Applicants' Career Goals 
  • Overall Readiness for the Program 

 

Testimonial

Listen to an Artist Career Training testimonial.