ARTREPRENEUR PROGRAM

What is Artrepreneur?

Artrepreneur is a program designed to equip independent artists, arts administrators, and creative entrepreneurs with vital business skills needed for success across all arts disciplines and industries. It was piloted in York Region in 2015 with a diverse group of 29 creative entrepreneurs and has since helped more than dozens of artists!

Why participate in the Artrepreneur program?

Artists are entrepreneurs who contribute greatly to the social and economic well-being of their communities and, as such, require strategic training to grow in capacity. By incubating creatives working across all disciplines in one program, we foster collaboration and the sharing of ideas, tools, tips and best practices, resulting in a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to “make it” as a creative entrepreneur.

Artrepreneur York Region consists of weekly in-class sessions, assignments, mentorships, and a final presentation and expo over a period of four months. It primarily serves York Region based artists, arts groups, and arts businesses working in all creative disciplines such as, though not limited to, visual arts, dance, theatre, film, music, jewelry, fashion, graphic design, gaming, and augmented reality. Sessions are hands-on and will range in format from lectures to peer-to-peer workshops.

Throughout the program, faculty will guide fellows in the step-by-step development of a business plan by providing them with templates, learning modules, and actionable assignments. By the end of the program, fellows will have a complete business plan and the opportunity to present their work in front of industry leaders. Upon successful completion, fellows will also be awarded a certificate endorsed by all program partners.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & INFO SESSIONS:

May 9 - Funding Forum Event

For York Region based Artists in partnership with Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport.

Hear from a panel of Funding bodies, including Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, and more about upcoming opportunities.

May 31 - ARTIST CIRCLE EVENT - Grant Writing Workshop FOR CREATIVES

Led by Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport And Ignite!

Artists – bring your grant proposals to this in-person interactive overview of applied grant-writing skills specifically for artists and receive high-level feedback on your proposals.

*Space is limited* Register here. 

July 2023 - Artist circle event - Augmented reality art Art workshop

Join this workshop to find out how to utilize Augmented Reality to enhance or diversify your art form. You will be introduced to the resources and techniques that can take your art to new heights! All disciplines are welcome. 

York Region Incubator Cohort

Become more business savvy and turn your passion into a sustainable business by applying to the Artrepreneur York Region program. Specifically designed with instructors with lived experience to address the needs of underrepresented and underserved communities in York Region.

No cohorts are available at this time. Stay tuned for updates!