NRV Artists Engage in a Unique Entrepreneurial Program
Eight local artists recently completed training sessions sponsored by the Fine Arts Center.
On May 29, eight artists from the New River Valley completed an eight-week training program in Entrepreneurship–a unique opportunity in Southwest Virginia. The Artrepreneurship Program was developed and delivered by the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley in conjunction with input from regional partners and local artists. While some institutions of higher education and larger arts organizations may offer similar programs for artists elsewhere, this is a one-of-a-kind program for artists in Southwest Virginia.
The Fine Arts Center gathered information from local artists over several years to identify need and potential topics of interest. They then collaborated with Shannon Ainsley, Economic Director for the Town of Pulaski; Lydia Crockett, Director of the Pulaski County Small Business Center; and several members of the Small Business Development Center for Greater Roanoke and the New River Valley. The curriculum was developed by the Fine Arts Center and honed with input from these partners and local artists. The initial group of eight artists met weekly from April 2 to May 21, covering topics related to artistic identity, promoting their work, strategic visibility, and sound business practices.
The program was featured recently in a podcast and blog post from Small Town, Big Arts, which is an organization that advances the arts in smaller communities. It is doing that in Virginia as a member of the Small Town and Rural Arts Network (SARA), a new Virginia network supported by the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA). SARA connects small and rural art organizations and artists for the purpose of peer exchange, information sharing and promoting best practices.
While researching the program, artists reported that one of the greatest benefits of such a program would be being part of an artist community. For that reason, the Artrepreneurs will continue to collaborate and support each other as both an online and in-person artist community. Special exhibits at the Fine Arts Center are planned to showcase their work throughout the year, and the Artrepreneurs will be promoted through the Center’s website and social media. The plan is to have additional cohorts over time to help grow a larger community of artists in the region who support each other and promote their work.
For more information about the Fine Arts Center, exhibits, classes, or local, handmade gifts visit the Center’s website at FACNRV.org, email at info@FACNRV.org, or call 540-980-7363. The Pulaski Center is located at 21 West Main Street in the Historic Downtown Commercial District of Pulaski. The Blacksburg Center is located at 860 University City Boulevard, Suite 105. Information about Small Town, Big Arts is available from its website at smalltownbigarts.com.
Blog post full URL: https://www.smalltownbigarts.com/blog/qi99gcxsgqjl51sccdei38tfwxez90
Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1o74Fk9cJ7QWiBPkwX4hRw?si=QZzzXHWOQ-a2qKFc5j0EGw&nd=1&dlsi=b84dc9f3379d43fc