Introducing Arts and Creative Entrepreneurship is a beginner-level course designed to help students explore the exciting intersection of art and business. In this course, students will learn how artists can transform their passion for creativity into successful careers by understanding the basics of entrepreneurship. Through real-world examples and simple concepts, students will discover the key skills needed to turn artistic ideas into business opportunities, including marketing, budgeting, and managing creative projects. By the end of the course, students will have a foundational understanding of how to navigate the world of arts entrepreneurship, equipping them with the tools to start thinking about their own creative ventures. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or someone interested in the business side of the arts, this course offers a great introduction to the world of arts and creative entrepreneurship.
Curriculum
- 8 Sections
- 52 Lessons
- Lifetime
- IntroductionIn this first lesson, you will learn what arts entrepreneurship means and how it combines creativity with business skills. You’ll discover that being an arts entrepreneur isn’t just about making art; it’s about turning that art into a sustainable career. This lesson will introduce you to the basics of arts entrepreneurship, showing how artists can create, sell, and manage their work while growing their careers. By the end of this lesson, you'll have a clear understanding of how art and business go hand-in-hand in the world of creative entrepreneurship.6
- 1.1What is Arts and Creative Entrepreneurship?
- 1.2The Role of an Artist as a Business Owner
- 1.3Benefits of Entrepreneurship in the Arts
- 1.4Real-World Examples of Successful Arts Entrepreneurs
- 1.5Basic Skills Required for Arts Entrepreneurship
- 1.6Quiz: Introducing Arts and Creative Entrepreneurship5 Questions
- The Creative Business IdeaIn this lesson, students will explore how to turn their artistic talents into a business opportunity. They will begin by identifying their own artistic strengths—whether it’s painting, music, photography, or any other creative skill—and then learn how to transform these talents into products or services that can be sold. Students will be introduced to simple business ideas, such as freelancing or starting a small creative business, and will gain an understanding of how to approach entrepreneurship in the arts. By the end of the lesson, students will brainstorm and reflect on potential business ideas based on their interests, setting the stage for them to start thinking about their own creative ventures.5
- Introduction to Arts Collectives and Community EngagementIn this section, we will learn about different structures for arts groups. Examples will include ad-hoc arts collectives, the importance of community involvement, and the role of participatory arts in fostering engagement and building capacity.7
- 3.1What are Ad-Hoc Arts Collectives?
- 3.2Building Relationships in the Arts Community
- 3.3Understanding Non-Profit Models
- 3.4Preparing for Your First Group Meeting
- 3.5The Role of Elders, Youth, and Community Members in Arts Initiatives
- 3.6Roles and Responsibilities of Board Members
- 3.7Creating a Mission and Vision
- Capacity Building in the Arts SectorExlporing capacity building in the arts and how it can be achieved through strategic planning and resource development.10
- 4.1Capacity Building in the Arts Sector
- 4.2Assessing Community Needs
- 4.3Identifying and Leveraging Community Resources for Arts Programs
- 4.4Building Leadership and Skills
- 4.5Evaluation and Feedback
- 4.6Designing Participatory Arts Programs
- 4.7Collaborating with Elders, Youth, and Community Members
- 4.8Structuring Your Program: Workshops, Events, and Exhibitions
- 4.9Incorporating Traditional and Contemporary Arts Forms
- 4.10Program Sustainability and Scaling
- Leadership for Arts CollectivesBuilding leadership within the arts collective and empowering youth and community members to take on leadership roles.5
- Working with Elders and Cultural KnowledgeUnderstanding the importance of working with Elders and integrating cultural traditions into participatory arts.5
- Event Planning and Public EngagementLearn how to plan, organize, and promote events that showcase participatory arts, culminating in a public event at the recreation hall.10
- 7.1Event Planning Fundamentals
- 7.2Marketing and Outreach for Arts Events
- 7.3Working with Volunteers and Community Partners
- 7.4Creating Accessible Public Events
- 7.5Evaluating Event Success
- 7.6Understanding Audience Needs
- 7.7Building a Strong Online Presence
- 7.8Developing Visual and Written Content
- 7.9Partnerships and Cross-Promotions
- 7.10Maintaining Long-Term Visibility
- An Introduction to Digital ArtsOverview of how digital technologies are transforming the arts. Explore digital art forms, tools, and platforms and how emerging artists and administrators can get started.5
Instructor
The Arts Incubator is a participatory arts collective and living lab, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. It's a space where innovation and creativity thrive. It's latest iteration was launched in 2021 with funding and support from the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Greenhouse. Today, working with students and faculty from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, we fuse traditional and participatory media arts with artificial intelligence, music, storytelling and community-driven, land-based artist residencies to cultivate new voices and bold ideas. Whether through collaborative projects or immersive experiences, our small but vibrant community supports creators to explore, experiment, and connect. Join us at the intersection of artistry, technology, culture and community—where every moment is a new opportunity to create.
