The Business Of Art Symposium is being held this Saturday

NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. March 15, 2024 – Nevada County Arts Council has partnered with Sierra College at their Nevada County Campus to offer the creative community another unparalleled opportunity for professional development in the form of its third annual all-day symposium, The Business of Art.

Postponed from its original date of March 2 to this coming Saturday, March 16, with a forecast of sunny, clear skies, and temps in the mid 60s, The Business of Art is a day-long gathering designed to support artists and creatives, regardless of where they are on their professional journey. The day includes workshops on marketing and media, online sales, business planning, grant writing, taxes, and more led by experts from across California.

Attendees can expect diverse opportunities at The Business of Art. This year’s two keynote speakers are Dr. Tasha Golden–America’s foremost authority on arts, health and trauma-informed practice–and celebrated Bay Area arts leader Sean Fenton, Executive Director of Theatre Bay Area.

As Director of Research of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins Medicine, Dr. Tasha Golden is a national leader in arts and public health. Golden studies the impacts of arts and culture, music, aesthetics, and social norms on well-being, health research, and professional practice. Says Golden: “I’m thrilled to be joining everyone on Saturday, March 16th as one of two keynote speakers at The Business of Art. As a national leader in arts and public health, and the impacts of arts on well-being and professional practice, I can’t wait to share insights into the role as an artist in driving this important work – all while looking after yourself, as your most valuable commodity!”

Heather Heckler, program manager for the Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District, says: “As a partner in one of only 14 coveted California Cultural Districts, Nevada County Arts Council is committed to investing in our creative community by providing the very best professional development experience, with the most exciting thought leaders, professionals, and influencers from the across California and the nation.”

Says Eliza Tudor, Executive Director at Nevada County Arts Council: “The Business of Art provides a platform for those working in our local and regional creative industries to engage in discussions around pressing current cultural, artistic and professional issues, with attendees participating in sessions exploring the top trends and challenges in our field.”

Julie Baker, CEO of Californians for the Arts and California Arts Advocates will join Tudor to round out the day, sharing an overview of arts funding amidst a historic state deficit and providing advice on which conversations artists should be part of now.

Keynote speaker for the afternoon is Sean Fenton, Executive Director of Theatre Bay Area, who has been active in the professional Bay Area theatre community for more than two decades as an actor, musician, director, and administrator. Theatre Bay Area is the largest arts service organization of its kind, supporting radical creativity and unparalleled access to educational, financial, and professional resources, engaging communities on the dynamic intersection of technology, art, entertainment, and culture.

Sessions throughout the day include a panel on public art, including City and County leaders in conversation on the role and future of public art locally, facilitated by Mark Salinas, Public Art Program Manager for the City of Berkeley; Grant Resources for Artists; Selling Your Work Online, and conversations from successful industry creatives in theatre, the visual arts and film. Panelists include Lisa Swarthout, Haven Caravelli, Sean Grayson, Oz Fritz and Freda Scott among many others.

Come to The Business of Art if you are an emerging or mid-career professional, or if you need some serious networking and peer-to-peer time as a late-career, fully-fledged professional approaching an important transition or crossroads in your working life. Nevada County Arts Council believes everyone will take away new, fresh inspiration and knowledge, and that everyone has something to give.

The full schedule for Saturday’s event is available on the Nevada County Arts Council website. Tickets are $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Admission is free for students and scholarships are available. For more information on The Business of Art, and to register, visit nevadacountyarts.org.