FREE Professional Development Workshops (ONLINE & IN PERSON)
The Maine Arts Commission is thrilled to announce a partnership with the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA) to offer professional development workshops that are open to ANY artist ANYWHERE in Maine, and for FREE!
The Assets for Artists program is a key resource for Maine artists, offering a range of free, artist-tailored professional development workshops. The upcoming Fall 2024 workshops include online and in-person sessions covering various topics such as personal finances, project planning, wellness, marketing, and more. These workshops aim to address the unique challenges and needs of artists, helping them thrive in their careers.
For more details, visit the Assets for Artists workshops page.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Instructor: Ana Tinajero
Date: Wednesdays, October 2 + 9, 2024
Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Working on an artistic endeavor, event, or production and not sure where to start? Get an introduction into the basic building blocks of planning, executing, and monitoring a project, no matter the size.
FOSTERING RELATIONSHIPS WITH GALLERIES & MUSEUMS
Instructor: Kristen Becker
Date: Thursdays, October 3 + 10, 2024
Time: 2:00PM - 4:00PM
This workshop will guide artists on how to build meaningful relationships with gallerists and curators, covering communication best practices and the expectations for navigating curatorial opportunities. Learn strategies to access gallery and museum spaces while understanding the current shifts in the art world.
PORTFOLIO POWER / THE ARTIST PORTFOLIO
Instructor: Anabel Vazquez Rodriguez
Date: Monday, October 21, 2024
Time: 12:00PM - 2:00PM
In this workshop, participants will learn best practices for creating and presenting professional portfolios that leave a lasting impression. The session covers industry tips and practical solutions for showcasing work effectively in art-related jobs, grants, or gallery opportunities.
SUBMITTING TO LITERARY MARKETS & MAGAZINES
Instructor: Yasmine Ameli
Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Time: 2:00PM - 5:00PM
This workshop covers the essentials of submitting poetry, essays, or stories to paying markets, including finding the right journals, creating a Submittable account, writing cover letters, and navigating rejections and acceptances. Writers will leave with practical tools, resources, and plans to take the next steps in their publishing journey.
RADIANT THRIVING: BOLD WRITING FOR BOUNDLESS ARTISTS
Instructor: Doctora Xingona Diana Alvarez
Date: Wednesdays, Oct. 30, Nov. 6 + 13, 2024
Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM
This workshop helps artists develop a bold, authentic writing voice for bios, artist statements, project proposals, and more. Participants will build unique language styles, explore examples from various disciplines, and refine their own writing in a supportive environment.
MAKING A PLAN IN A TIME OF UNCERTAINTY
Instructor: Laura Baring-Gould
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
Time: 10:00PM - 5:00PM
Location: Click Coworkspace, 9 1/2 Market St, Northampton MA
This workshop empowers artists to plan proactively for the sustainability of their practice, identifying resources and charting a course to achieve their creative goals. Through lectures, group interaction, and self-reflection, participants will map their priorities and leave with a concrete plan for three key goals. Optional office hours are available for further discussion.
UNDERSTANDING AN ARTIST’S PERSONAL FINANCES
Instructor: Amy Smith & Akeem Davis
Date: Mondays, Nov. 18 + 25, Dec. 2 + 9, 2024
Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM
This four-session workshop, led by stage performers and tax specialists Amy Smith and Akeem Davis, provides a class- and race-based analysis of financial systems to help artists make informed financial decisions. Participants will learn fundamental financial tools, demystify money concepts, and leave empowered to approach their finances with an abundance mindset. Suitable even for those who dislike thinking about money, the workshop includes presentations and Q&A sessions.
STAYING AUTHENTIC WHILE MARKETING YOUR WORK
Instructor: Daniel Callahan
Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM
In this workshop, participants will learn strategies to promote themselves and their services with authenticity, both in-person and online. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to present and pitch their art effectively, gaining practical tools to create lasting impressions that lead to opportunities and growth.
CROWDFUNDING FOR ARTIST PROJECTS
Instructor: Laura Christensen
Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024
Time: 2:00PM - 4:00PM
In this workshop, Laura will guide participants through the essentials of running a successful crowdfunding campaign, from setting targets to identifying backers and promoting the project. Attendees will learn best practices for short-term campaigns on any platform, gaining practical tips to fund their art projects effectively.
INTRO TO TAXES FOR ARTISTS
Instructor: Amy Smith
Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
Time: 2:00PM - 4:00PM
This workshop, led by Amy Smith, covers essential tax basics for artists, including separating personal and artistic finances, Schedule C filing, self-employment versus employment, and tracking deductions. It focuses on navigating current financial challenges and tax law updates.
BEYOND ARTS GRANTS: CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR PROJECT SUPPORT
Instructor: Yara Liceaga-Rojas
Date: Tuesdays, January 14, 21 + 28, 2025
Time: 12:00PM - 2:00PM
This 3-part introductory workshop helps artists secure resources, partners, and funding for their creative projects. Participants will learn to define their work as a fundable project, communicate effectively with stakeholders, integrate care practices, and gain tips for obtaining financial support.
QUARTERLY TAXES DON’T EXIST!
Instructor: Akeem Davis
Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Time: 12:00PM - 2:00PM
In this workshop, actor and tax preparer Akeem Davis will demystify the process of paying estimated taxes for artists. Participants will learn what estimated taxes are, how to calculate and pay them, and how they impact a Schedule C and 1040 tax form. Through anecdotes, Q&A, and practical exercises, attendees will gain confidence in managing their tax responsibilities as entrepreneurs.