Make, show, discuss: Artists as Entrepreneurs

This March as a precursor to their popular annual Art.Downtown. event the Avenue will be helping artists get prepared for the next stages of their careers by hosting a series of “Artists as Entrepreneurs” classes and discussions on everything from curator statements to non-traditional exhibition spaces.

“We plan on digging into the good stuff, from the value of documenting the show, to the question ‘is curating a retroactive or proactive action?’” explains co-organizer Annie De Young.

Art.Downtown. hosts hundreds of local artists and their work every year. These structured discussions are part of an attempt to fully engage all participants before, during and after the event; making sure they get more out of the experience than a resume entry.

“Recently we re-evaluated the role of the Avenue for the Arts and realized that while the events are a product of our activity: they aren’t the reason we exist,” explains organizer Jenn Schaub.

Whether you are an artist, curator or documenter, an entire month of weekly discussion kicking off on February 20th will ensure every participant in Art.Downtown. will have the opportunity to take part in a workshop or class that pertains specifically to their interests. The main Art.Downtown. event is taking place on April 12th from 6 p.m.-11p.m.

These discussions help organizers to streamline and improve future programming on the Avenue.

“We are ultimately driven by the interests of our member participants so when they want to emphasize something new, we do it,” concludes Schaub.

To get involved with Art.Downtown. come to the first planning meeting taking place on Feburary 8th at 5:30 p.m. at Pub 43 on South Division Avenue. If you are unable to attend this meeting visit avenueforthearts.com, or join and browse the Avenue for the Arts Facebook group for more information. Alternatively feel free to send enquiries to avenueforthearts@gmail.com.