Artists are, by nature, inventors, engineers, explorers, and discoverers. Artists see possibility everywhere. Monetizing curiosity, however, can be a daunting task. Creating a sustainable life in the arts is complicated. To help artists build a sustainable life in the arts, the Idaho Commission on the Arts offers My Artrepreneur™ Program, an intensive professional development program teaching business skills for artists, by artists.
The program is offered in one area each year, rotated around the state. The 2026 course will be held in Idaho Falls, in partnership with the Eagle Rock Art Guild. Artists attend four mandatory workshops and pair with a mentor artist to develop their art as they build a kit of 35 essential tools for an art-centered business.
This course is comprehensive and requires attendance at four weekend workshops. Those workshops will be held on:
May 2 & 3
July 18 & 19
August 22 & 23
October 10 & 11
Saturday sessions are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sundays are 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Classes will meet at the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership (EICAP) board room, 935 E Lincoln Rd., Idaho Falls.
A sustainable career in the arts is attainable by developing one’s skill and expertise in a chosen medium, understanding and engaging in the arts community, articulating one’s story and purpose as an artist and strategically seeking patrons for one’s work. MAP provides practical coursework to develop your tools of art and business. Read the complete program information here.
- Over 40 hours of instruction and workshop activities
- 35 practical business tools
- Demystify the world of business
- Affirm the title of “Artist” as a credible profession
The Cost
The Idaho Commission on the Arts offers scholarships reducing student cost from $1,000 to only $300. If you have the means to pay full price and would like to donate this scholarship to another student, indicate so on the application. Students will be responsible for their own lodging and transportation.
Artists pay a $150 deposit to reserve their seat. Outstanding tuition is due before the final workshop. Monthly payment plans are available.
The Results
MAP was developed in Montana as the Montana Artrepreneur Program, where it has earned national acclaim. The Montana Arts Council surveyed participants from 2009 through April 2014 and respondents reported being:
- More confident in their business management skills (79%)
- More specific and clear on their art business financial goals (78%)
- Actively making art and pursuing their art businesses (75%)
- In progress toward their art business financial goals (71%)
- More satisfied with their art business (65%)
Registration Deadline: April 7, 2026
If you have questions about business skills for artists, contact john.mcmahon@arts.idaho.gov.
For currently enrolled artists, here is the MENTORSHIP COMPLETION FORM