Artist Career Training is a six-week program to advance your creative business. Learn from subject matter experts about City resources, business planning, intellectual property, marketing, and funding. You’ll also meet with mentors and expand your professional network.

Application Launch on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. The first session will be on October 09 and the Final Session is on November 13, 2024.  A non-refundable, one-time course fee of $150 will be charged to selected participants

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Assistance

How to Create a City Account

Watch a video on How to Create a City Account.  | Cómo crear una cuenta con la Ciudad.   

Create An Account – For First-Time Users 

  • Step 1: Visit the Economic Development Department Application Portal.
  • Step 2: Click the “Create Account” icon.  
  • Step 3: Enter the required information and click the “Submit” button.  
  • Step 4: After completing account creation, you will be prompted to fill out your profile information.  
  • Step 5: After updating your profile information, you will be redirected to the home screen to begin the application process. 

 

How to Redeem Your Access Code

If you have previously applied for a City of Austin Economic Development Department grant or program, you may need to redeem an access code to confirm and access your account.  

If you received a ‘Your email is connected to our system’ message, follow the steps below to confirm and access your account.

  • Step 1: Visit the Economic Development Department Application Portal.
  • Step 2: Click the “Create Account” icon.  
  • Step 3: Enter the required information and click the “Submit” button.    
  • Step 4: If your information is in our database, your access code will be displayed. 
  • Step 5: Copy the one-time access code and enter into the Access Code tab.  
  • Step 6: After you confirm your account, you will be directed to complete your account creation using the “Create Account” tab. 

 

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

Training will be held in person on Wednesdays from October 09 to November 13 from 6-9 p.m. at the City of Austin Economic Development Department offices at 5202 E. Ben White Blvd. A light dinner will be provided. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated when possible. 

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. 

Topics include:  

  • Week 1: Goal Setting and Business Canvas 
  • Week 2: Marketing and Social Media Strategies 
  • Week 3: Copyright, Business Structure, Contracts, and Partnerships 
  • Week 4: Budgeting and Taxes 
  • Week 5: Grants and Fundraising - Develop grant proposal 
  • Week 6: Proposal Pitch Night - $500, $750, and $1,000 prize to three winners 

Application Details

Application Materials

Acceptable file formats include: .csv, .doc, .docx, .odt, .pdf, .rtf, .txt, .wpd, .wpf, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .svg, .tif, .tiff. Max file upload: 10MB  

Application Materials include: 

  • Upload five images or video links that demonstrates at least 2 years of active participation in the creative sector. Videos must be no longer than three minutes. Include title, date, medium, and scale of images, title and date for performances.   
  • Upload a resume or curriculum vitae.  
  • Upload a brief biography. (4-5 sentences)  

 

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