For Artists and Folklife
Business Preparation
Through the Montana Art Council's Artists to Market initiative, Montana visual artists from tribal and rural areas are provided tools to succeed in business. This program provides services to the state's artists in a number of ways, including the following:
• MAP (Montana Artrepreneur Program)
To find out more about how to join a MAP cohort near you, click here.
This program helps artists learn how to develop a sustainable business in art and develop the tools needed to gain Market Ready Certification. The program addresses the isolation of rural artists by forming regional networks in locations throughout the state. MAP is a workforce development program in that it is designed to help Montana's artists map a sustainable future by helping them prepare the tools they need in a wider market place.
The program focuses on developing a critical mass of market-ready artists through the work of cohorts (groups) of artists. In addition to paving the way for these artists to gain "market ready" status and move their work into larger, national markets, this program allows for small, regional pockets of artists to eventually grow into a network.
These cohorts provide learning opportunities such as mentorships, internships, studio-based work, self-directed learning, and potential online learning. The cohorts commit to monthly meetings to work on developing tools to become market ready. Each cohort is guided by a local leader and receives information and guidance from the MAC Market Development Specialist. The artists in the cohorts decide how they want to accomplish the outcomes of the toolbox checklist. The monthly meetings also provide an opportunity to bring samples of artwork, discuss problems and share successes of their recent work.
Artist Launches
In order to help artists become more sustainable and develop additional markets, MAC works with artists to find suitable markets for their work. For example in February 2009, MAC staff provided a weekend workshop in market readiness to artists selected by the Montana World Trade Center to attend the Kentucky Crafted Market. After the trip, this cohort was offered the opportunity to participate in the Creative Capital Professional Development Program, a weekend professional development experience that emphasized strategic planning for artists.
MAC staff also works with the planners for the Made in Montana Marketplace in order to develop opportunities for Montana's artists, in addition to working with the personnel in the Made in Montana Program in the Montana Department of Commerce. Development of loop tours, such as the Hands of Harvest, Of Sage and Stone, and Alpine Artisans is also encouraged for the benefit of artists.
MIBA Conference and Artist Showcase
Montana Indian Business Association (MIBA) Conference and Artist Showcase (http://www.mibaonline.org/). MAC offers qualifying artists training workshops in business and "Art and the Law" during this annual two-day conference of the Montana Indian Business Association. Additionally, MAC staff organizes an artists' showcase in order to provide artists with an opportunity to market and sell their work to conference participants. Contact the MAC Indian Arts Market Development Manager, Dyani Binghan, dyani_b@hotmail.com for information.
Montana's Circle of American Masters
Montana's Circle of American Masters in Visual, Folk, and Traditional Arts is another component of this initiative, in that the MCAM program shines a light on those artists who produce art that reflects the uniqueness, diversity, and creativity inherent in Montana's heritage. These artists are provided with professional photography of their art, exposure in a number of marketing opportunities, and the right to use the MCAM logo on their artwork and in their materials. For more information about MAC's Business Preparation initiative, contact the MAC Market Development Specialist, Cinday Kittredge, elkittredge@dishmail.net.
Program Support
Business Preparation is funded in part by LINC (Leveraging Investments in Creativity), a 10-year national initiative to improve the conditions for artists working in all disciplines. It focuses on improving artists' ability to make work, build social capital and contribute to democratic values. LINC builds on recent research by the Urban Institute that points to the need for new efforts that expand financial support for artists' work, improve artists' access to live-work space and insurance; and bolster knowledge, collaborations, and public policies that affect the work of artists and their contributions to communities. Launched in July 2003, LINC seeks to assist the people, organizations, and communities already at work in supporting artists, and to address needs not being served.
Funding for LINC has been provided by the Ford Foundation, Paul G. Allen Foundation, Nathan Cummings Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, The MetLife Foundation, The Surdna Foundation, and The Rockefeller Foundation.
