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Established in 1971 as an independent organization to serve individual artists throughout the state, the mission of New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is to empower emerging artists and arts organizations across all disciplines at critical stages in their creative lives and professional/organizational development. In 2009, we extended our programs and services throughout the United States and the international community.
Summary
Artists of all disciplines living and working in New York City are encouraged to apply to participate in this free entrepreneurial program to be presented by Powerhouse Arts in Brooklyn, NY from July 24 - 27.
About the NYFA Artist as Entrepreneur Program
The NYFA Artist as Entrepreneur Program is an intensive professional development opportunity that serves artists and creatives of all disciplines (including visual, literary, performing arts, among others). This 3.5 day program delves into the fundamental principles of sustainability in the arts, empowering artists with the tools to imagine and pursue success as they define it.
Whether you’re looking for a shift in thinking, strategies for your arts/creative business, or peer networks, this program provides dynamic planning tools for building a blueprint for your creative practice or arts project.
Participants will Benefit From:
- Dive into Content: Dive into topics including strategic planning, marketing, fundraising, financial literacy, writing about your work, and/or art law, with additional material adapted from NYFA’s popular The Profitable Artist (Allworth Press, 2018) textbook.
- Participate in Work Sample Reviews: Receive work sample reviews from professionals in their discipline, such as curators and artistic directors. Designed to give artists insight into the jury selection process, this individualized feedback is modeled after NYFA’s Fellowship Program.
- Join a Peer Cohort: Gain access to a community of like-minded peers working across disciplines, with opportunities to stay in touch to support each others’ creative practice beyond the program.
- Access Arts Industry Experts: Led by NYFA’s expert staff and arts industry experts in your community, such as local funders, curators, presenters, publishers, artistic directors, etc.
- Develop an Artist Action Plan: Work through flexible and dynamic tools that will provide a blueprint for your practice or specific arts project. You’ll have the opportunity to share and discuss this “Artist Action Plan” among your peers.
- Engage with Your Creative Community: Customized to fit the needs of participants and partners hosting the program, each program’s structure includes a blend of presentations, panels, interactive workshops, and breakout groups.
Deadline: Monday, June 16, 11:59PM.
Program Dates and Details
Eligibility
- Artists of all disciplines (Visual, Multidisciplinary, Performing, Literary, Interdisciplinary, Social Practice, Folk and Traditional, Film, Video and New Media) and career stages, including students, are encouraged to apply.
- NYC-based artists
- Priority will be given to Black, Indigenous, artists of color, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and refugee artists
Mandatory Program Dates
- Attendance is mandatory to all sessions:
Artist as Entrepreneur Introductions and Meet and Greet
Thursday, July 24, from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Intensive
Friday - Saturday, July 25 - 27, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM daily
Please check your calendar before applying.
How to Apply
- Applicants can apply here through Submittable beginning May 19, 2025. The deadline will be Monday, June 16, 11:59PM.
- First-time users will need to register with Submittable to access the application portal. For technical questions regarding submittable, please contact Submittable support.
Application Requirements
- Artists interested in attending are required to apply. For the application, we ask you provide:
- Brief Narrative: describing your long-term goals and why you are interested in applying to this program (this is the most important part of this application, and will be evaluated most closely!)
- Artist bio: of your professional career
- Artist statement: describing your creative practice and provided work samples (see tips here and here)
- Work samples: please note the materials you provide will be reviewed by arts professionals as part of the Work Sample Review portion of the program
Selection Process & Notification
- Applications are selected through a panel review process with representatives from both NYFA and Powerhouse Arts.
- All applicants will be notified on or by July 1, 2025.
Questions?
Please email learning@nyfa.org with the subject line “Artist as Entrepreneur, Powerhouse Arts.”
To request an accommodation or assistance in applying, please email learning@nyfa.org. We ask that requests for accommodation be made as soon as possible and by Tuesday, June 3, to allow adequate time for staff to support you in submitting an application before the deadline.
This program is part of NYFA Learning, which includes professional development for artists and arts administrators. Sign up for NYFA’s free bi-weekly newsletter to receive updates on future programs.