FREE Shunpike Business Clinic - Aug 13th.
Have you heard about Shunpike yet?
Shunpike helps all kinds of small and mid-sized arts groups better manage the business aspects of art with the goal of creating a vibrant and diverse local arts community where arts groups of all sizes can thrive. They work closely with each of their clients to customize solutions in finance, organizational management and arts administration because they understand how hard it is to do business while you’re busy making art. Invited by the City of Tacoma, Shunpike is now branching out to serve the South Sound community via an office at Suite133.
Thursday, Aug 13th is the day for Shunpike’s free drop-in business clinic. This event runs from 4:00 – 8:00pm and will be held at Suite133. Shunkpike’s Michelle Chiachiere, Deputy Director and development expert and Ellen Whitlock, Partner Artist Program Manager will be available to talk about how to get support in managing the business aspects of your art.
For more information about Shunpike, visit www.shunpike.org.
What: Shunpike Artist Business Clinic
When: Thursday, Aug 13th – 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Suite133 – 703 Pacific Ave, Tacoma Wa.
Cost: Free!
Filed under: Events
3 comments
D David Koch August 11, 2009
I can never do any of the fun stuff! So who is going to video record some of the speeches or lectures or whatever happens? Maybe it’s a little too one-on-one for that… =(
E Ellen August 11, 2009
Hi David—and anyone else who can’t make the clinic—Shunpike will be having another drop in business clinic on August 27th from 4-8 (also at Suite 133) or you can email us (programs[at]shunpike[dot]org) to make an appointment; we’re in Tacoma weekly!
L Laura Hanan August 12, 2009
Great group and excellent resource – but it is based on the fundamental assumption that there are people in Tacoma that are interested in art and I don’t mean showing up to scarf cookies, drink wine, and or party. Many Tacoma artists are emerging and don’t even have solid bodies of work to exhibit.
Tacoma first needs patrons, like those that go to Seattle’s artwalk and PURCHASE work (that costs more than $35 to $50) – those people simply don’t exist in Tacoma in strong enough numbers. Most Tacomans that support the arts go to Seattle or elsewhere to purchase their original artwork (I’m talking paintings – 2 and 3D art),
Until this situation changes I think the idea of a Shunpike business clinic, though admirable, is putting the cart before the horse. First there has to be art patrons.
I speak from first hand experience as an artist and gallery owner in Tacoma since 2000 and I consider myself to be a mid-career artist with reasonably good business sense. I have shown in New York, Seattle, North Carolina and I have sold plenty of art, but not a lot in Tacoma.
I have heard lots of hype about the art scene in Tacoma but find it to be hollow and has even deteriorated. Even the Night Tacoma Danced, which used to be a rather prestgious event where the well-heeled in Tacoma spent money for at least one night in support of the Tacoma Art Museum (half of what an artist sells goes to the museum) has turned into a fancy crafts show now, with median sales around $150. I have been in the show four times over the years and the last year I exhibited there I sold a piece for $1,800. I was asked to jury for it this year and was rejected.
These thoughts are just my opinion and observations from working on both sides of the art business as a creator and seller of my work and representing other artists.
Good luck in your endeavor!