April Workshops for Artists and Entrepreneurs 2025

In conjunction with celebrating National Arts & Humanities Month

Made possible by partnership between Venture Lab, Growth Factory, Creative Economy Entrepreneurship Initiative, and Arts Council of Placer County

April 8th 11:30-1:00 pm Workshop 1: Business Resources and Funding – “Resources to help you run your business”

Topics Covered:

• Writing Proposals, Contracts, and Grants:
   Practical strategies for crafting effective proposals and securing funding for creative projects.

• Insurance for Artists:
   Overview of health insurance and business liability insurance specific to artists.

• Request for Proposals (RFP):
   How to respond to and secure government and organizational contracts.

• Available Grants:
   Federal, state, and local funding opportunities for emerging and veteran artists.

• Elevating Your Artistry:
   Identifying steps to grow your career and connect with bigger opportunities.

• Business Resources:
   Becoming a legal entity in your city or county’s registry, includes local services, licensing, and credentials. 

Panel Speaker:

Daniella Stepek- Economic Development Specialist and Placer County Office of Economic Development 

Jennifer Lugris, MFA- Artist & Chair of the Sierra College Art Department 

April 9th 11:30-1:00 pm Workshop 2: Marketing and Branding – "I Have Good Art, Now What?"

Topics Covered:

• Building an Online and Offline Presence:
   Crafting a compelling CV, portfolio, and reel to showcase your work.

• Social Media and Website Development:
   Strategies to increase visibility and create traction online.

• Print-on-Demand:
   Exploring platforms for creating and selling merchandise.

• Press and Interviews:
   How to prepare for interviews and manage public relations effectively.

• Selling Points for Artists:
   Understanding your unique value and how to market it to potential clients or collectors.

• AI Applications:
   Tools for automating social media, designing digital portfolios, and managing print-on-demand stores.

Panel Speaker: 

Juniper Lindquist Dacre- Visual Designer & Brand Specialist

MaryTess Mayall Executive Director of Blue Line Arts 

April 10th 11:30-1:00 pm Workshop 3: Network, Opportunity, and Advocacy – "Artists Building Community Together"

Topics Covered:

• Building Artist Networks:
   How to find and engage with local and global creative communities.

• Advocacy for the Creative Community:
   Mobilizing artists and supporters to champion policies and programs that benefit the arts.

• Collaborating with Non-Artists:
   Identifying people who can support creative ventures (managers, event planners, art enthusiasts).

• Expanding Opportunities:
   Learning how to book gigs, manage teams, and scale creative projects.

• Teaching Artist: 
  Developing a strategic plan to get arts in the classroom and universal arts education. Discover Prop 28. 

• AI Applications:
   Networking tools and platforms that help connect artists to resources, communities, and advocates.

Panel Speaker: 

Franklin Burris, MPA- Economic Development & Partnerships, Sustainable Communities Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Startups, and SEED (Small Business) Advocate

Jamie Hazen- RPAL Director, Downtown Tuesday Market, Downtown Roseville Partnership (DRP), boards of the Placer Visitors Bureau and Performing Arts of Roseville