Workshop opportunity for CNMI artists

The Commonwealth Council of Arts and Culture will be hosting a “Business Development Workshop for Artists”—a 30-hour professional workshop that will begin Aug. 16, and with 10 sessions spanning three months.

Participants will meet most weeks on Thursday evening from 5:45pm to 9pm and light refreshments will be available. These meetings will take place at Bridge Capital’s conference room.

“This will be a great opportunity for our artists who practice their art for more than just their own pleasure and we’re excited to present this workshop series to the art community,” said Parker Yobei, CCAC director.

It’s not uncommon for artists to be passionate about their art. But beyond giving their art to family and friends, there are many who would like the gratification and appreciation coming from others to be in the form of money. But where a formal education in the arts deals with numerous topics, it doesn’t often include an understanding of how to start an art business and how to run the business side. Thus, the reason for providing this workshop and CCAC will launch other efforts in the future building on this workshop.

The workshop sessions will cover a broad variety of topics, including a four-step process in developing and launching the business-side of a person’s art; the organization and management of the business; marketing your arts effectively; a practical approach to finance including a look at 25 to 30 sources of funds; the “how to’s” of operating and controlling the business in concert with the artwork being created; and how an artist might plan for growth.

You will gain insight into competitive advantages that will enable you to expand your markets beyond CNMI’s borders. You will learn how to think like an entrepreneur and see the number of your potential customers increase.

The workshop leader will be Gary Liddle, who has lived on Saipan for 10 years, but began his business career 64 years ago in California. Liddle himself is also an artist, in ceramic artwork and as an artistic blacksmith.

Any artist in the CNMI can apply to participate. To get an application, stop by the CCAC front desk on Capital Hill, Bridge Capital’s front desk, or the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library. 

Due date for returning a completed application is before 3pm on Aug. 10.

Questions? Contact CCAC at 322-9982 or Liddle at 989-4400 or liddlega@yahoo.com. (PR)