Assets for Artists is back with FREE professional development workshops for artists in all disciplines, made possible with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Development Grant Program. We have a great roster of workshops lined up in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island this April & May.
If you're serious about strengthening your practice, learning from art business and marketing experts, and connecting with fellow artists & makers, we hope you'll sign up!
To request a seat in any of the workshops listed below, email Briana at bhalpin@massmoca.org with your name, home address, and artist website or brief description of your artistic practice. Be sure to specify the date & location of the session you’re interested in.
Preference will be given to artists from rural areas of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut but non-rural artists may also enroll if space allows. Participation is FREE! Workshops will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
The A4A program promotes equal opportunity and seeks diversity in its workshop participants.
ARTIST IN BUSINESS w/ Dee Boyle-Clapp
Building on her 25 years of experience in the arts, Dee Boyle-Clapp now directs the Arts Extension Service at UMASS. In this training, she will introduce the elements of a business plan and information helpful for running your artist-based business. Through a mix of instruction and guided activities you will learn how to create a series of attainable business goals that shape the future of your art-based business, including how to describe your work, hire outside experts, handle financial details, and structure your business.
Most suitable for commercial and craft-based artists.
Available sessions:
Sunday, April 7th | 9:30am - 5pm | North Adams, MA
Friday, April 12th | 9:30am - 5pm | Warwick, RI
Saturday, May 11th | 10am - 4:30pm | New London, CT
BUSINESS THINKING FOR PERFORMING ARTISTS w/ Amy Smith
Amy Smith, Co-Director of Headlong Dance Theater and Headlong Performance Institute in Philadelphia, has worked internationally as a choreographer, director and performer. In this interactive workshop, performing artists in all fields — music, dance, theater, comedy, and more — will set goals and learn skills they can implement right away. Topics include valuing your time and other issues related to self-employment, long term financial thinking, “real cost” budgeting for projects and for your life, fundraising and other revenue streams, and goal setting for the business of your artistic practice.
Suitable for artists in all performing disciplines.
Available session:
Monday, April 22nd | 10am - 5pm | Providence, RI
FIND YOUR MESSAGE: Branding & Marketing for Visual Artists w/ Jessica Burko
Jessica Burko a Boston-based exhibiting artist, curator, and arts marketing professional. In this workshop, Jessica will help visual artists and craftspeople gain a better understanding of how to present their work, identify their target audience, and create a detailed marketing plan while building the confidence to implement it.
On the day following the group workshop, selected artists will be invited to meet individually (for 30 minutes) with Jessica for an in-depth discussion of specific marketing questions and concerns, and to review their arts marketing strategies.
Recommended for visual artists and craftspeople.
Available sessions:
Thursday, May 2nd | 1pm - 6pm | Bristol, RI
One-on-one sessions with selected artists will be held on Friday, May 3rd.
Friday, May 17th | 1pm - 6pm | Winsted, CT
One-on-one sessions with selected artists will be held on Saturday, May 18th.
In requesting this workshop, please specify if you’d like a one-on-one session (if available) the day following the group workshop.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR VISUAL ART PRACTICE AS A BUSINESS w/ Kim Faler
Kim Faler is an installation artist who has been awarded Rauschenberg and Artpace residencies and has exhibited at MASS MoCA and Art Dubai.
In this workshop, participants will create a framework for understanding their practice as a business and a strategic plan for advancing their goals. Participants will receive guidance on improving their artist statements, portfolios, websites, budgeting, time management, and fundraising.
Recommended for fine / non-commercial visual artists.
Available session:
Wednesday, May 8th | 1 - 6pm | North Adams, MA
Our work is possible because of our wonderful funders & partners, including the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business Development Program. Our Rhode Island workshops are happening in partnership with the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. Our Connecticut workshops are happening thanks to a partnership with the CT Office of the Arts, Northwestern CT Arts Council, Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition, and Windham Arts.