April 13, 2016 · 0 Comments
Since the launch of the Cultural Entrepreneurship Pilot Project in January, the Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) has been working to assist a number of artists and artisans to prepare for their business start-ups or expansions. In addition to the support of the SBEC, a team of dedicated volunteer business mentors is working with program participants to help them achieve their entrepreneurial goals. Visual artists, artisans, photographers, performers, media production professionals, and culinary artists are taking advantage of the program to develop their enterprises and optimize their business potential.
As part of the program, Resources for ArtPreneurs, a full day, information-packed event will be held on Wednesday, May 11th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Monora Park Pavilion. The event is open to the public and will include sessions on Marketing Strategies for the Creative Industries and Running a Home-based Arts Business.
Workshop leader Kim McBrien Evans, a textile artist and arts business trainer, has built her own successful venture and helps other artists to do the same. In her interactive and engaging marketing session, Kim will provide tips, techniques and current examples that demonstrate how to promote an online arts-based business and build an affordable and effective social media strategy. The afternoon session will focus on the effective operation of a home-based arts business. Kim’s instructive presentations will help arts and cultural business owners to achieve their growth potential through improved business practices and efficiencies.
An exciting feature of the Resources for ArtPreneurs event will be a showcase of the work of the Cultural Entrepreneurship Project participants. Paintings, photography, textile, media arts, and more will be on display and the entrepreneurs will be on hand throughout the day to discuss their works.
The Cultural Entrepreneurship Program was a concept that emerged from the Town’s municipal cultural plan, Orangeville’s Cultural Advantage (2014), in which business skills building within the arts and culture sector was identified as an area for development. The six-month pilot project has been made possible through a partnership between the SBEC and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure.
All arts and culture business owners are encouraged to take advantage of this exceptional training opportunity. Resources for ArtPreneurs is free of charge and includes lunch. Spaces are expected to fill quickly and pre-registration is mandatory.
For more information and to register visit www.orangevillebusiness.ca/events or contact the Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre at 519-941-0440 Ext. 2286 or email sbec@orangeville.ca.