Program teaches the art of business

The next Montana Artrepreneurship Preparation program is scheduled to begin at the end of September.

MAP is an eight-month program that offers visual artists monthly instruction, workshops and coaching that lead to developing a sustainable business in art. This is accomplished by learning more about the art of entrepreneurship and by obtaining certification of market readiness from the Montana Arts Council.

Included in the program are:

• Special-topic workshops with guest speakers on preparing marketing materials, developing brands, photographing art, etc.;

• Guidance on setting prices for art (wholesale, retail, gallery and consignment);

• Peer-to-peer networking statewide;

• Instruction that covers the 34 marketing tools that are included in the program, which is hosted at Flathead Valley Community College;

• Artist mentorship for art skill improvement (five-hour mentorship with professional artist is encouraged and coordinated by the cohort coach);

• Business internship for the artist to spend 10 hours working in a related art/business environment;

• At least two one-on-one sessions scheduled with each artist; and

• Participation in the growth of Montana's networks of professional artists and participation in an artists' showcase with fellow Montana artists.

Meetings are scheduled for Sept. 27 and 28, Oct. 25, Nov. 22 and 23, Jan. 31, Feb. 28 and March 1, March 28, and April 25 and 26. May meetings will be announced at a later date.

For more details and an application form, visit www.fvcc.edu/continuing-education/flathead-map-cohort.html.

Artists interested in participating in this business- and market-readiness program are encouraged to contact the MAP Flathead cohort coach, Jan Shanahan, at 862-2363 or janshan@wildskyindustries.com before Sept. 10 for more information and an invitation to participate.