The Foundation is seeking individual artist applicants for a new program, The Business of Art. Funded by GWCF's Creative Worcester Initiative in partnership with the Barr Foundation, The Business of Art cohort is a 6-month financial wellness and sustainability program for Worcester artists of color or artists who identify as low to moderate income. Administered with the help of MASS MoCA's Assets for Artists, this capacity-building program will pair a $1,000 mini-grant with one-on-one coaching, artist community-building, and a series of online financial and business resiliency workshops specifically focused on navigating a post-COVID cultural sector.
“Individual artists are essential to a vibrant arts and culture ecosystem, but developing a successful creative career has unique challenges,” said Lindiana Semidei, GWCF's Program Associate, Arts & Culture. “Our hope with The Business of Art cohort is to provide Worcester's artists of color with tools and resources to thrive as creative entrepreneurs.”
Through The Business of Art, which will run from November 2021 through May 2022, participants will build their own business plan, take part (virtually) in group activities, and have the following resources available:
- $1,000 mini-grant (upon completion of the program)
- Priority sign-up for 5 free online workshops
- Individualized support and guidance from Assets for Artists staff or trainers
- Social media promotional support for 1-2 projects per artist with GWCF's social accounts
The Business of Art workshops, which will be led by MASS MoCA's Assets for Artists team of artist-entrepreneurs, will cover a range of topics such as developing a strategic business plan, applying for grants, understanding the basics of taxes and financial planning for artists, decolonizing your creative practice, and more.
“The cultural sector continues to feel the economic pains of the pandemic, and low income artists and artists of color are among those who feel the impacts acutely,” said Carolyn Stempler, GWCF's Interim President and CEO. “This program, an innovative new element of our Creative Worcester Initiative, is infusing the cultural sector with financial resources and expert support to address inequities and to fully recognize the arts as a vital community asset.”
Applications to The Business of Art must be received online by October 18, 2021. For more information or eligibility requirements, please visit https://www.greaterworcester.org/About-Us/Creative-Worcester-Initiative/The-Business-of-Art, or contact Lindiana Semidei at Lsemidei@greaterworcester.org | 508-755-0980 ext. 107.