Artist Career Training

A six-week program to advance your creative business and expand your professional network. 

Get access to resources available to enhance your business, including: 
  • Professional Skills Development
  • Mentoring Opportunities
  • Funding 

Applications for Artist Career Training are now OPEN!

Application Deadline: August 7, 2025 at 5 p.m.


To Apply:

Apply Now


Program Details

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants: 

  • Creative professionals from all disciplines who have at least 2 years of work to show.
  • Individuals 18 years of age and older on the date of the application.
  • Individuals must reside in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson Counties.  

Ineligible Applicants: 

 

Training

This six-week program begins Wednesday, September 24, 2025.. Training will be in-person on Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m. at the City of Austin Economic Development Department offices at 5202 E. Ben White Blvd. A light meal will be provided. 

Attending all classes and completing the homework is vital to ensuring participants gain the maximum benefit of the program. Participants will receive a training workbook and The Business of Art: An Artist’s Guide to Profitable Self-Employment book. 

Program Timeline:

Session Date Time Topic

Session 1 

9/24/25 

6-9 p.m. 

Goal Setting & Business Model Canvas 

Session 2 

10/01/25 

6-9 p.m.

Marketing & Social Media Strategies 

Session 3 

10/08/25 

6-9 p.m.

Copyright and Business Structure 

Session 4 

10/15/25 

6-9 p.m.

Budget & Finance 

Session 5 

10/22/25 

6-9 p.m.

Grants and Fundraising 

Session 6 
(Mandatory) 

10/29/25 

6-9 p.m.

Pitch Presentation Night 


Application Details

 

Application Review Process

Up to 24 creatives will be selected for the program through a competitive application process by a panel of community arts leaders and practitioners representing a range of artistic disciplines. We strive to balance many factors in each selection process to create a diverse and equitable cohort. 

Criteria for acceptance include:  

  • Quality of Artistic Work
  • Applicants' Career Goals
  • Overall Readiness for the Program 

 

Testimonial

Listen to an Artist Career Training testimonial