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.
Application Open: July 16 at 10 a.m. - August 13 at 5 p.m.
The program runs from October 9 to November 13. A nonrefundable, one-time fee of $150 will be charged to the participants selected.
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:
- Individuals under 18 years old on the date of the application.
- University or community college students.
- Individuals who reside outside of the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).
Training
The six-week program begins October 9 and ends November 13. Training will be in-person on Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m. 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 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.