City of El Paso Museum and Cultural Affairs Department Artist Business and Marketing Programs

Maren Brown of Maren Brown Associates, and Dee Boyle-Clapp of the UMass Arts Extension Service, delivered their popular two-day training programs for professional artists and arts managers through the City of El Paso Museum and Cultural Affairs Department on January 14-15th at the El Paso Museum of History.  Contact the Museum of Cultural Affairs Department for further information at  (915) 541-4481.

Socorro Diamondstein, Cultural Funding and Technical Assistance Coordinator at City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs, had this to say about the program:

“Maren and her business partner Dee, were extremely knowledgeable and great resource for the group of organizations that we had present. The focus of the two day training was: Business management for the arts and marketing for artists and art organizations.
The material that presented was very powerful, very well organized and easy to follow. I definitely would like to have them again for another training or coaching.”

Training program descriptions:

Artist Business Planning
Day 1 of the two-day program

If you look forward to the development of a business plan for your artist business as much as you do a visit to the dentist, this workshop is for you!  Business plans are a proven tool for starting and growing a successful business, yet can be intimidating for artists to develop.  In this workshop, you will learn the basics of how to create a business plan for your artist business, including how to describe your work, hire outside experts, handle financial details (especially when you are financially challenged!), and structure your business.  This workshop is designed to be fun and informative, including role plays, short lectures, and group projects.  At the end of the day, you will leave with the start of a business plan for your artist business, using a template provided in the workshop.

Arts Marketing
Day 2 of the two-day program

Are you an artist or community arts agency who is interested in learning how to market your business or cultural organization?  Whether you are new to marketing, or have been marketing your artist business or organization for decades, this program is designed to help you to create or refine your marketing strategy.  Learn fundamental marketing concepts, such as how to analyze your customer or audience base, program mix, and pricing strategies.  Explore promotional strategies—both online and off—in a supportive learning environment, and decide which ones are best for you.  This program is highly interactive and designed to help you to apply the learning to your artist business or cultural organization.  At the end of the day, you will leave with the start of a marketing plan for your artist business or cultural organization.