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 location each year, rotated around the state. The 2023 course will be held in Pocatello, in partnership with the Pocatello Art Center. Artists attend four mandatory workshops over a period of six months, and pair with a mentor artist to develop their art as they build a kit of 35 essential tools for an art-centered business.
Opening reception for North Idaho MAP artists at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center in Post Falls.
Workshop 1 – March 25 & 26
Workshop 2 – May 20 & 21
Workshop 3 – July 29 & 30
Workshop 4 – September 23 & 24
Saturday sessions are 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sundays are 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
All classes will be held at the Pocatello Art Center, 444 N Main St., Pocatello ID.
REGISTER HERE
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 matching student dollars one-to-one, reducing student cost from $1,000 to only $500. $200 of additional scholarship funding is available for members of the Pocatello cohort, further reducing the cost to $300. If you have the means to pay full price and would like to donate these scholarships to another student, indicate so on the application. Students will be responsible for their own lodging and transportation.
Artists pay a $200 deposit by February 28 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%)
If you have questions about business skills for artists, contact john.mcmahon@arts.idaho.gov.
REGISTER HERE
Application deadline: February 28
For currently enrolled artists, here is the MENTORSHIP COMPLETION FORM