As small business owners, artists face a tons of opportunities for growth and learning.
However, with the endless number of websites and scams promising quick fixes to jumpstart your career, it's hard to know where to turn.
Fear not, for there are generous reputable non-profits that have developed professional development resources to guide you on your journey to artistic success. I've compiled a list of the most respected resources that are available for free to help you grow artistic career into a sustainable pracitce.
Debunk the myth of overnight success and put in the hard work with these valuable resources that will help jumpstart your career.
LOWER MANHATTAN CULTURAL COUNCIL RESOURCES
LMCC stands for Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, a non-profit organization based in New York City. LMCC works to provide services and resources to the arts community in the greater New York City area. The organization supports artists, arts organizations, and communities through grants, programs, and public art initiatives. They have a wonderful residency program and provide tons of free services. https://lmcc.net/resources/professional-development/
KODA
Koda considers itself a creative laboratory working with mid-career conceptual artists who explore social justice-related topics. They have some fantastic free talks on topics ranging from professionally packing your work to contacting galleries.
https://www.kodalab.org/professional-development
ARTIST TRUST RESOURCES
Artist Trust is a nonprofit organization that provides resources to working artists in Washington State. They offer grants, professional development programs, business training, and other resources to help artists in all disciplines reach their fullest potential. They also provide online resources and a mentorship program to help artists stay informed and connected with each other.
https://artisttrust.org/resources/
NYFA BUSINESS OF ART RESOURCES
The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is a non-profit organization that works to support artists, writers, filmmakers, and other creatives in all disciplines throughout New York State. NYFA provides grants, awards, fellowships, professional development workshops, and other resources to help promote and support artists and their work. NYFA also serves as a platform for networking and collaboration among creatives, and as an advocate for the arts in public policy.
https://www.nyfa.org/business-of-art
GET YOUR SH*T TOGETHER
GYST-Ink is an artist-run company/art project by Karen Atkinson, providing resources, technology and solutions created by artists for artists.
https://www.gyst-ink.com/gyst-forms
ARTIST WAGES - FEE COMPARISON
A tool that every artist must have in their toolbox: the WAGE fee calculator. While it may not fall under the traditional definition of professional development, it’s a crucial component in ensuring that artists receive the compensation they deserve. Without a clear understanding of fee structures, it's impossible to know what an aritst should ask to get paid.
But fear not! The WAGE fee calculator is here to help. It provides artists with the secret to expected payment rates for various opportunities, including shows, talks, and engagements across different institutions. So, let's arm ourselves with knowledge and make sure we're fairly compensated for our creative talents.
ARTIST WAGE FEE COMPARISON CHART
https://wageforwork.com/fee-calculator#top
PAID PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
There is no limit to the paid artist professional development programs out there, and sadly many of them are kind of scammy. A lot of the professional development out there is like “self help books”, they have one or two juicy tidbits, but the real power behind them is that they get you thinking about your career. YOU are the secret sauce that makes these platforms thrive.
That said, here are a few vetted professional development programs you might find useful:
Ninth Street Collective
Offering affordable classes on artist career development. Workshops are priced at $30 and they offer private consulting for $135 per hour.
New York Crit Club
A little more expensive, the New York Crit Club is an artist-led initiative in New York City that offers a variety of programs and events aimed at providing support, education, and networking opportunities for emerging artists. Their faculty includes many respectable names in the arts. Offering 8 week classes for about $800
The Works
Membership and Education: Another educational based network group run by Erika B Hess who runs the I Like Your Work publication and podcast. She brings great value in educational content and a group networking membership model for about $50 per month.
Netvrrk
Membership and Education: Led by art critic and writer Paddy Johnson this is a new initiative is a professional networking platform for slightly less than mid-career artists who feel like their careers have plateaued. Johnson has modules on art career essentials like writing a good statement and contacting galleries, provides a monthly asset review for members, and a facebook group style platform for artists to ask questions of eachother. Its a little pricey at $70ish per month.
Southern Crits
Artist Jodi Hays began this studio crit program focused on artists based in the Southern United States. Costs are about $150 per critique session.
ArtMBA
Bridgette Meyer launched this program to help artists develop sustainable careers. I have not taken it myself. It seems a little pricey costing a few thousand dollars for a semester, but I have heard a few good things about it.