In 2012, Creative Portland received a grant from the Quimby Family Foundation to launch a professional development series, in partnership with Maine College of Art and the Maine Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, designed specifically for professional artists.
The series will consist of 12 workshops held in the Maine College of Art’s Osher Hall on the second Wednesday of every month from 6 – 9 p.m. Selected from a survey of artists this summer, topics will range from grant-writing and social media to contract law and business start-up basics.
< < < < Use the navigation bar on the left to view past presentations.
UPCOMING
'Beyond the Basics for Creatives' : May - August 2013
JUNE 12 : Contracts for Creatives
Understanding and managing sales and service agreements including commission, consignment and licensing.
Creatives (Fine Artists, craftspeople, designers, illustrations, performers and musicians) often encounter or enter into professional relationships that may require a contract or an agreement. From commissions, to working with galleries or shops, to working with clients or other business, creatives will learn how to understand their rights and how to best protect themselves.
Register at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/375274
Presenters to be announced.
JULY 10 : Feeding Your Studio Practice
Evaluating technical and professional opportunities including residencies, studio environment, and education.
Does your current practice feel stale or stalled? What is next for you? What is the next step? Is it a new project, a collaboration, a residency, a new space?
This session will be entirely focused on how to assess and improve your current studio practice. From honing in skills, to pursuing educational opportunities, creatives will learn about how other creatives have MAINTAINED, GROWN and SUSTAINED their studio practice.
Register at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/375358
AUGUST 14 : Going Big
The implications of growing as an artist and art based business including fabrication, production, sourcing, and staffing.
Close your eyes and think about where your practice or art-based business could be in 10-15 years. Well, guess what? With some preparation, realistic goal setting and action, you could accomplish those goals in 5-10 years or less. Join us and to hear from Maine based creatives who have outgrown spaces, expanded their businesses and achieved national recognition. This session is designed to help creatives strategize their potential growth and gain perspective on what practical steps to take.
Register at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/375362
'Marketing Basics for Artists' : January - April 2013
During the Winter of 2013, the Professional Development series began a four- part mini series focused on marketing. Each session will focus on one aspect of marketing and highlight different strategies. From promotional materials such as business cards and postcards, web presence, email marketing to professional documentation, we hope to empower attendees to use effective marketing strategies and methods to heighten their professional creative practice.
Beyond the Business Card - January 9, 2013
Professional Documentation - February 13, 2013
Websites & Blogging - March 13, 2013
Social Media & Email Marketing - April 10, 2013
'Business Basics for Artists' : September - October 2012
In September of 2012, the Professional Development intiative launched with the top two topics selected from a survey of artists in the Summer of 2012, "Grantwriting" and "Pricing Your Artwork". In December 2012, we held "Tax Essentials" just in time for tax season.
Tax Essentials - December 2012
Pricing & Valuing Artwork - November 2012
Grantwriting - October 2012
PARTNERS
Creative Portland is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008 to grow and support the city’s creative economy. In July 2012, Creative Portland merged with the Portland Arts and Cultural Alliance to become the city’s official arts agency.
The mission of Maine College of Art (MECA) dates back to 1882 and is rooted in delivering a transformative learning experience that prepares students to thrive in the areas of artistic excellence, creative entrepreneurship, and civic engagement within an intimate and demanding educational environment.
Maine Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts offers pro bono and reduced fee services to professional artists in Maine.