Creative Alliance of New Orleans is currently accepting applications for Creative Capital’s Workshop presented on March 9-11, 2012.

This one of a kind opportunity has been described as a “crash course in self-management, strategic planning, fundraising and promotion” for artists of all creative genres. The Creative Capital Workshop takes artists on a two and one-half day retreat led by nationally renowned arts professionals. The experience is limited to 24 artists from Louisiana. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee with the goal of assembling a very diverse group of artists from varied artistic genres and cultural backgrounds. The deadline for applications is February 1, 2012. Applications can be found online at http://cano-la.org. This is the first time that Creative Capital’s workshop will be held in New Orleans. While many different forms of art are flourishing in New Orleans, it is still tough for local artists to create a sustainable income for themselves. The Core Weekend Workshop intends to change this situation.

Some of the skills that will be taught are:

  • financial planning basics, including choosing financial partners, best practices for savings and retirement planning, options for reducing debt and acquiring property.
  • the essentials for operating your art as a small, independently run business, including employment, contracts, negotiation, decision-making, budgeting and cash flow
  • strategies for funding your work and revenue-generating, including improving your fundraising materials; working in partnership with venues, donors and funders, building a base of individual contributors; and knowing the real cost of your work so you can communicate it to funders, presenters and other partners
  • how to consider promoting your work as an integral, natural part of the creative process
  • the best practices for artist websites, blogs, social media and communications
  • how to identify and reach new audiences for your work

The Creative Alliance believes that this program presents an opportunity for Louisiana artists to learn new methods in improving their professional careers in the arts. Please visit http://cano-la.org to apply.