Professional success in the arts is about creating pathways – creatively and in one’s career. Organizations like ARTmorpheus, a Boston-based nonprofit that promotes a vibrant artistic community and economic revitalization for working artists, help artists forge those paths.
We recently received an email announcement from ARTmorpheus listing a number of upcoming professional development opportunities for artists. This post re-posts some of those opportunities (and also re-re-posts some opportunities we’ve previously listed but thought could use another “re-“).
Free talk on making a living as an artist
The Arts and Business Council of Boston will host Jackie Battenfield for a free talk on Artists Making a Living. Battenfield, the author of The Artist’s Guide: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love, will speak on the fundamental skills artists need to develop and sustain a professional life. It will cover tips on how to plan, promote, fund, organize, and build community, with half of the time reserved for audience questions. The event takes place on April 6, 6-8 PM, in the Function Room at Suffolk University Law School in Boston.
Upcoming ARTmorpheus roundtables
There are two upcoming events hosted by ARTmorpheus for artists working in any media: April 13 at the Mills Gallery at the Boston Center for the Arts, Artists Roundtable featuring Jessica Burko on social media marketing for artists; and on May 4 at the Calderwood Pavilion, BCA, Artists Roundtable featuring Susan Dupuis, of Dupuis & Co, LLC, an income tax consultant and licensed attorney, on recordkeeping and taxes. Both events take place 5:30-7 PM. Both events are free, but attendees are encouraged to bring a food item to share. RSVP (and/or send questions) to Liora Beer.
PRIME Program from the International Institute of Boston
Offering free guidance and resources for small businesses (including artist-entrepreneurs). A free business class begins April 20, with a few spots still remaining. Visit the program’s website for more info.
Artist Business Training
One-and-a-half day workshops led by the UMass Arts Extension Service to address business basics and key issues that artists confront in the current economy; free to resident artists.
- April 21-22 Petersham, Petersham Town Hall (contact Sarah McMaster at North Quabbin Woods for more info or to sign up)
- April 28-29 Springfield, Schibelli Hall, Springfield Technical Community College (contact Tracy Woods at Art for the Soul Gallery)
- May 5-6 Northampton, Dynamite Space (contact Julia Handschuh)
Disaster Aid for Small Businesses and Individuals Affected by Flooding in Mass.
President Obama declared Massachusetts a federal disaster area, which will give victims of the recent floods – both residents and businesses – access to Federal Disaster relief, including grants and low interest loans. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, Worcester, Norfolk, Plymouth, or Bristol Counties, can register for aid online or by calling the FEMA Teleregistration number: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.
Disaster Aid Grants for Artisans from the Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF)
CERF would like to make sure that any professional craft artist who has been seriously affected by the flooding is aware of the disaster relief assistance available from CERF. If, as a craft artist, you have suffered loss, contact CERF when able. Programs include grants up to $1500 and loans up to $8000, booth fee waivers at craft shows, discounts on materials and equipment from suppliers and manufacturers, and assistance with business development through referrals to consultants and other low or no-cost resources. For eligibility requirements and more detailed information, visit Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF).
Image: Christopher Faust (Painting Fellow ’10), TUNNEL (2009), Acrylic on canvas, 28×36 in.
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