A.B.C. workshops and programs are designed to teach vital skills and to provide the resources necessary to grow and sustain a viable professional artistic practice. A.B.C. workshops are open to all interested artists. CAC Members receive free or discounted admission to all programs conducted by CAC. Through A.B.C. – Art.Business.Create., CAC’s professional development series, artists are trained in skill sets which help guide them through the complex and increasingly business savvy art market. This monthly series of engaging educational sessions covers such vital topics as legal rights and protections, new technologies, tax and record keeping, marketing, business planning, proposal writing, networking and much more. The program has also been developed to include one-on-one consultations with leading experts in the field of arts and business. Professional development is at the core of CAC’s work since all artists need and deserve education about how to earn a living and create a profession that is valued like any other. Armed with the necessary knowledge from professional development workshops, artists are more fully equipped to take advantage of representation from galleries and exhibits across the city and nation, or to establish their own exhibition spaces, seek grant and/or fellowship support.

Note: Entry fees for all A.B.C. Programs go towards speaker honorariums and the development of future professional development programs offered by the Chicago Artists’ Coalition. Through your direct support we can continue to create programs that are at the cutting edge of professional practice for artists.

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PROGRAMS

LAUNCH INVITATIONAL RESIDENCY

The Launch Invitational Residency is a new initiative for upcoming graduates of BFA programs who are preparing to start their professional careers in the arts. Serving as a hybrid of creative practices training, professional development and community-building, the residency offers graduates vital skills and networking they need to achieve success outside of the academic environment. Twenty-four students were hand-selected to participate in this residency by faculty from eight diverse local arts schools. Over the weekend of June 21-23, the students will have a three-day immersion in professional career training and collaborative practices at the Coalition’s West Loop facility.

Participating schools/partners include: Chicago State University, Columbia College Chicago, Harold Washington College, Marwen alumni, Northern Illinois University, Northwestern University, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and University of Illinois at Chicago.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 | 6 – 9 p.m.
Constellation | 3111 N. Western Ave.

CREATIVE CROSSINGS

Cross-disciplinary collaboration makes Chicago’s creative communities thrive. To encourage the contributions these groundbreaking partnerships make to our city’s culture, Chicago Artists Coalition has launched Creative Crossings. This new series of events brings together makers and doers from varied disciplines to promote connections and an understanding of the current needs and concerns of contemporary, practicing artists.

The first of the Creative Crossings events on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 will introduce Chicago’s dance and music communities at the new home of Links Hall—Constellation—an exciting new venue for movement and sound. This two-part event begins with a “talk-back” for each discipline in which registrants participate in a moderated discussion of the issues and needs facing artists in their respective fields (limited space available). An open mixer follows, giving all participants an opportunity to meet and mingle with Roell Schmidt (Executive Director of Links Hall), Mike Reed (Musician and founder of Constellation and Pitchfork Music Festival) and other creative professionals over drinks.  The discipline specific “talk-backs” will take place from 6pm – 7pm, while the mixer will immediately follow from 7pm – 9pm.

Who should attend: Musicians, dancers, arts administrators of music and dance organizations, and all others who are active contributors to Chicago’s music and dance communities

Admission is free, but RSVP is required.  To RSVP, click here:
https://www.artful.ly/store/events/1172

Saturday, May 18, 2013 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Chicago Artists Coalition | 217 N. Carpenter Street

20/20 Plans

20/20 Plans focuses on strategies for establishing and growing the business aspects of an artist’s practice through various types of plans—business plans, marketing plans, career plans and more.  Artists will have the chance to speak one-on-one with experts with a range of expertise to develop a blueprint to help move their business practices forward.  This program will connect artists to experts from Women’s Business Development Center, Artful Work (small business coaching and consulting company), Signal (Integrated marketing firm) and more. Sign up for the presentation, a one-on-one session with an expert of both. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required–walk-ins are welcome.

Who should come: Artists, musicians, dancers, actors, writers, founders of arts organizations or collaboratives who are interested in getting advice developing or having an expert take an assessment of their business plans, marketing strategies, career plans or growth strategies.
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THE PRESENTATION | 11am – 12:30am
20/20 Plans will kick off with a presentation by Sheryl Kosovski, small business coach and founder of Artful Works, a consulting company that has been advising artists on how to organize, grow and make money doing what they love for over 20 years.  In this presentation, Sheryl will show how to smartly develop the essential strategic plans every artist needs.  She will cover the elements that all artists should include and consider when developing a vision statement, setting goals and creating action, financial, marketing, growth and business plans.

Presentation Only: $5 CAC Members + Residents, $10 General Public
Click Here to REGISTER for Sheryl’s Presentation

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THE ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTING SESSIONS | 1pm – 3pm
No two artist’s career paths are alike, so 20/20 Plans also includes the chance for you to meet with experts for a more personalized 20-25 minute one-on-one session with a business strategy expert.  Talk through your current business plan with Meg Herman, the Director of Entrepreneurial Services at the Women’s Business Development Center or plan your social media strategies with Katherine Raz, the Communication Manager at Signal (an integrated marketing firm) and former Marketing Director of House Theatre of Chicago. Work out the details of your financial, vision or action plan with Sheryl Kosovski. Sit down with artist and non-profit organization expert Elaine Luther to create a step-by-step plan to start your non-profit organization.  Or get feedback on your business plans or social media strategies from Andy Angelos creative entrepreneur and Chief Operating Officer of Social Katy.

Presentation + One-on-One Consulting Session: $25 CAC Members + Residents, $30 General Public
Click Here to REGISTER for a One-on-One Consulting Session, which includes Sheryl’s Presentation

Note: For One-on-One Consulting Sessions we ask that you give us additional information so that we can match you with the best possible expert.  Click to the link to sign up and tell us exactly what your questions and concerns are!

A “Pay What You Can” option is available; contact programs@chicagoartistscoalition.org for more details.

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PAST PROGRAMS

Saturday, April 27, 2013 | 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Valparaiso University, Hyde Park Campus | 1100 E. 55th Street, LeBien Hall, Room 15

How Did They “Make It In The Arts”?

Saturday, April 13 | 11am – 3pm

20/20 Legal

Presentation Only: $5 CAC Members, $10 General Public
REGISTER for PRESENTATION ONLY
Presentation + Consultation: $25 CAC Members, $30 General Public
REGISTER for PRESENTATION + CONSULTING SESSION

A “Pay What You Can” option is available; contact programs@chicagoartistscoalition for more details.

This workshop will introduce artists to relevant legal issues and provide guidance on specific legal questions. The program will begin with a presentation on intellectual property, tips for negotiating contracts and protecting yourself online, followed by 20-minute, informal, individualized consultations with lawyer volunteers from Lawyers for the Creative Arts, Lifestyle Zen and more.

20/20 is a new series of 1-on-1 consulting sessions for artists to meet individually with industry experts and sharpen specific career goals and skills. Taking place four times over the year, each 20/20 session is dedicated to a particular topic, including: proposal writing and artist statements; career planning and time management; legal, business and taxes; and contracts and negotiations. Each session begins with a short panel discussion, followed by 20 minute individualized consultations that attendees must register for in advance. Participants have the option of registering for the panel discussion only, or the panel plus an individualized consultation. The series is open to artists of all disciplines.

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SCHEDULE:

11:00 am – 12:30 pm: ”10 Quick + Dirty Legal Tips for Creative Entrepreneurs: Negotiating Contracts, Intellectual Property and a Little Social Media in Between” by Patrice Perkins of Lifestyle Zen, a law firm that specializes in creative entrepreneurship and working with artists.

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Individual 20-minute consultations with legal experts (limited space available; must register in advance).

Have questions? Contact us at programs@chicagoartistscoalition.org.

February 28, 2013, 6pm – 7:30pm

Fiscal Sponsorship, Insurance and Fundraising for Artists and Arts Organizations
COST: $5 for CAC Members + Residents, $8 for General Public
REGISTER HERE

How do I find money to support my work? What is fiscal sponsorship and is it right for me? What types of insurance should I be considering? If questions like these are keeping you up at night, then this is the workshop for you. Led by Dianne Debicella and Jean Ann Douglass from Fractured Atlas, and Stephanie Pereira from Kickstarter, this presentation is designed for individual artists or arts groups concerned with organizing a business and building support for your creative process.

Fractured Atlas is a nonprofit arts service organization dedicated to strengthening the infrastructure of the nonprofit and creative communities. Diane and Jean Ann will share information about all of Fractured Atlas’s services with a specific focus on fundraising and insurance for artists. Kickstarter is a platform for funding creative projects. Stephanie will share further insights on how artists and arts organizations have used Kickstarter to not only fund a creative project, but to engage a community in an ongoing creative practice.

January 19, 2013, 11am – 3pm

20/20 Money
Presentation Only: $5 CAC Members + Residents, $10 General Public
Presesntation + Consulting Session: $25 CAC Members + Residents, $30 General Public
REGISTER HERE

Start your year off on the right track! 20/20 Money is the second in the 4-part series, which focuses on clarifying best practices in accounting and financial management for artists and also the tax impact of different business entities. This session is perfect preparation for tax season. Julie Herwittt, a public accountant with years of experience in the arts, will kick off the discussion with introductory information about the best practices in tax structure, record keeping, income/expenses and more. Then one-on-one sessions will give artists the opportunity to get their more specific accounting, book keeping and other financial questions answered before spring.

Who should attend: Artists of all disciplines, heads of small or emerging arts organizations and businesses, anyone interested in learning more about better money management for their art and business practices.

The Consultants:
Kelly Etting, President of Ledgers Inc.
Kelly currently does work with arts organizations through the Arts & Business Council of Chicago.

Jenny Fitzgerald, Bookkeeper for Chicago Artists’ Coalition and Assistant Treasurer/Lead Accountant of National Louis University
In addition to her work at National Lewis University, Jenny works as a subcontractor accountant for numerous small and mid-size non-profit and for-profit organizations.

Julie Herwitt, CPA of Herwitt & Associates LLC
Returning to the CAC due to popular demand, Julie has given multiple presentations at the CAC about bookkeeping and accounting for artists and arts organizations.

Brian Hornstein, CPA, CGMA at Discover
Brian has years of experience providing business consulting services to multiple industries, including not-for-profit organizations.

Greg Teagues, Financial Connect Specialist at ComPsych, Accountant at Practical Financial Solutions
Greg has done book keeping with local Chicago galleries as well as corporate clients.

Click here to reserve a spot now.
Presentation: $5 CAC Members & Residents, $10 General Public
Consulting Session: $5 CAC Members & Residents, $10 General Public

A ‘Pay What You Can’ option is available, contact programs@chicagoartistscoaltion.org for more details.
Consulting session fees include the cost of Julie Herwitt’s presentation.

December 15, 2012, 11am – 3pm

20/20 ARTiculate
Panel Only: $5 CAC Members, $10 General Public
Panel + Consultation: $25 CAC Members, $30 General Public
REGISTER for PANEL ONLY || REGISTER for PANEL+ CONSULTATION SESSION
Note: A ‘Pay What You Can” Option is available, contact programs@chicagoartistscoalition for more details.

20/20 is a new series of 1-on-1 consulting sessions for artists to meet individually with industry experts and sharpen specific career goals and skills. Taking place four times over the year, each 20/20 session is dedicated to a particular topic, including: proposal writing and artist statements; career planning and time management; legal, business and taxes; and contracts and negotiations. Each session begins with a short panel discussion, followed by 20 minute individualized consultations that attendees m ust register for in advance. Participants have the option of registering for the panel discussion only, or the panel plus an individualized consultation. The series is open to artists of all disciplines. 20/20 ARTiculate is the first in the 4-part series, focusing on how to professionally articulate and present work for grants, proposals or the media, and how to capture and keep the attention of arts writers.

Consultants include: Esther Grimm (Executive Director, 3Arts), Encarnacion Teruel (Director of Visual Arts, Media Arts and Multi-Disciplinary Programs, Illinois Arts Council), Franck Mercurio (Consultant, Curator, Writer + Editor), Alicia Eler (Writer & Consultant), Jason Foumberg (Art Editor, NewCity), Cynthia Quick (Director of Communications, Ragdale Foundation) and more. PROGRAM SCHEDULE Presentations |11am – 12pm

• Elements of Eye-Catching Press Announcements with Franck Mercurio
• How to Win Over Arts Writers with Alicia Eler & Jason Foumberg

Consulting Sessions | 12:30pm – 3pm Note: Limited number of slots available in each session. Notification of your consultation appointment will be sent to you at least one week prior to the event date.

• Session I: 12:30pm – 12:50pm
• Session II: 1pm – 1:20pm
• Session III: 1:30pm – 1:50pm
• Session IV: 2pm – 2:20pm
• Session V: 2:30pm – 3pm

Saturday, November 17, 2012, 1pm – 4pm

Get Out of the Vacuum: The Importance of Peer-to-Peer Support for Artists
1-2pm: Panel Discussion, 2-4pm: Speed Networking
REGISTER FOR PANEL | REGISTER FOR SPEED-NETWORKING
Panel: Free for CAC Members & Residents, $5 for General Public Panel + Speed-Networking: $8 for CAC Members and Residents, $12 for General Public

Interested in networking with local Chicago art professionals? Establishing connections is the first step to creating a sustainable art practice. Chicago Artists’ Coalition invites you to join us for a Panel discussion followed by a speed-dating style networking event over light refreshments. Three members of the feminist art collective Henbane—Meg Leary, Jenny Kendler and Molly Schafer—will be joined in a roundtable discussion by Mara Baker and Robert Burnier, whose relationship was forged in a critique group. The conversation will center around their personal experiences in various critique groups, the importance of making mutually supportive connections with other artists, and the value of peer-to-peer relationships in the sustainability and growth of both art practices and art careers. The panel will be moderated by another member of Henbane, current BOLT resident/ mentor Stacia Yeapanis. Speakers include: Meg Leary, Jenny Kendler and Molly Schafer of Henbane and artists Mara Baker and Robert Burnier, with Moderator Stacia Yeapanis

Tuesday, November 6, 2012, 6pm – 7:30pm

Fiscal Sponsorship and Artist Resources from Artspire and the New York Foundation for the Arts

Tuesday, November 6, 2012 6:00 — 7:30 p.m. $5 CAC Members, $10 General Public Are you looking for new ways to fund your projects or for access to resources and opportunities beyond Chicago that will push your career forward? Artists in all disciplines who are looking for jobs, opportunities, grants and professional development are invited to join us on Election Day and learn about the free and low-cost national services and resources that Artspire and the New York Foundation for the Arts offer. This step-by-step session will equip artists of all disciplines and practices with the tools they need to submit a strong proposal for Artspire, NYFA’s fiscal sponsorship program. And just in time for the winter deadline. The presentation will cover:

• Fiscal Sponsorship, a critical way for individual artists, artists’ collaborative projects, and emerging arts organizations in all disciplines to accept tax-deductible contributions from individuals and apply for funding usually available only to organizations with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. | www.artspire.org
• NYFA Source, the most extensive national online directory of awards, services, and programs for artists. Listings include over 8,000 arts organizations, award programs, service programs, and publications for individual artists across the country. | www.nyfa.org/source

WHO SHOULD COME The presentation is geared to individual artists across disciplines and small/emerging arts organizations. Visual, performing, literary artists, musicians and filmmakers are all encouraged to attend. SPEAKER Eleanor Whitney, Program Officer for External Affairs and Fiscal Sponsorship from Artspire, a program of the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) will discuss Artspire/NYFA’s resources, fundraising and support programs available nationwide for artists at every stage in their careers. Entry fees for all A.B.C. Programs go towards speaker honorariums and the development of future professional development programs offered by the Chicago Artists’ Coalition.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012, 6pm – 8pm

Models, Modes and Potential for Chicago’s Independent, Cooperative and Artist-Run Spaces Wednesday, September 26, 2012 | 6pm - 8pm Kicking off this year’s A.B.C.-Art.Business.Create professional development series, this program will focus on Chicago’s established and growing independent, cooperative, and artist-run spaces. In a roundtable dialogue style, several key figures will come together to discuss the current and potential operational models, how to strengthen our local and global networks, and how to support the informal or formal goals of these experimental cultural centers. This program is ideal for individuals who currently run an independent space or are interested in starting one, as well as artists or organizers who want to connect with project spaces, and individuals interested in local artist-support systems. Speakers include: Meg Duguid (Clutch Gallery), Michelle Grabner (The Suburban), Laura Shaeffer (South Side Hub of Production (SHoP), Op Shop & Home Gallery), Nick Wylie (ACRE Projects) and moderator Abigail Satinsky (threewalls & InCUBATE). Check back for updates and additions to the list of speakers. Stay in touch with future Art. Business. Create. programs by joining our mailing list. Photo by Zachary Johnson.

CAC’s A.B.C. series of programs are funded by: