Vermont Arts Council Artist Business Trainings 2010-2011

Maren Brown of Maren Brown Associates, and Dee Boyle-Clapp of the UMass Arts Extension Service, delivered a two-day Breaking into Business training programs for professional artists through the Vermont Arts Council.   Programs were sponsored by Ernst and Young.

Programs were held February 11-12, 2011 Windsor, VT and October 19-20, 2010 in Burlington, VT.  Programs were open to Vermont artists through a competitive process.

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.

Artist Marketing
Day 2 of the two-day program

Are you an artist who is interested in learning how to market your business?  Whether you are new to marketing, or have been marketing your artist business 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 with other artists, 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.  At the end of the day, you will leave with the start of a marketing plan for your artist business.