How do I…?: Arts Enterprise, UW–Madison

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all artistic disciplines • music • visual arts/design • writing
theater • dance • arts administration • other resources

all artistic disciplines

I want to be self-employed as a writer or a visual or performing artist—is that possible? Where do I start and what do I need to know?

Visit Self Employment in the Arts, an organization that provides specific educational resources to help aspiring artists gain the entrepreneurial knowledge and skills needed to establish and maintain a career as an independent artist.

Where can I find arts-related job listings online?

The following sites are good places to start: Chronicle of Higher Education, The New York Foundation for the Arts
, ArtJob, and ArtSearch.

I’m interested in courses or workshops to develop business skills that will help me as an artist. What are my options?

Springboard for the Arts offers a certificate for completing their 10-course program “The Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists.”

Where can I find a list of schools that offer arts entrepreneurship programs, courses or activities?

Arts Entrepreneurship Educator’s Network has compiled a comprehensive list organized by category.

I’m looking for contests that may help me develop my career as an artist and entrepreneur. Does such a thing exist?

Yes! The first-ever national Entrepreneurial Artist Contest offers a chance to win $21,000 and other awards to support your goals as an entrepreneurial artist. Find more details and contest rules here.

UW–Madison students: check out the New Arts Venture Challenge and the 100-Hour Challenge.

music

Where can I get tips and advice on improving my performance skills?

The Shepard School of Music at Rice University provides numerous audio and video files covering important aspects of performing, as well as many other topics useful for musicians.

I want a career in music, but I’m unsure what steps I need to take. I’m also not sure what a career in music entails…where can I learn more about the decisions I need to make and what a career in music is all about?

The Shepard School of Music at Rice University provides valuable information on choosing a music career and pursuing a specific career, as well as descriptions of career options in music.

I’d like to pursue a career as an orchestra musician. Where can I find information to help me achieve this goal?

Polyphonic.org is a forum for orchestra musicians that provides helpful resources and news for aspiring and established orchestra musicians.

How do I promote myself? How do I make a recording of my music?

Find straight-talking advice at www.MusicBizAcademy.com. For resources, links, articles, and advice: www.mbsolutions.com. Or consult the Music Business Consultant Chris Knab: www.knab.com

Where can I find information about sustaining my music career as an entrepreneur?

Try Artists House Music, a non-profit Web site where all musicians can receive informational support, guidance, and expert resources to help them navigate the challenges and maximize the opportunities available to them within the music industry.

I’d like to post my music on the Web so people can hear it; how do I do it?

Broadjam is an international Web community (founded in and operated from Madison, Wisconsin) dedicated to independent musicians and their friends. Here you can post your own music, enter contests, submit your songs for use in various industries, and listen to other musicians' work.

Where can I look for jobs in music?

Visit the National Association for Music Education for information on a wide range of professional options, plus job openings for music educators.

Other sites to search for jobs:

visual arts/design

I’m a visual artist who will graduate soon. Where can I find information on publicizing my shows after I graduate? What do I need to know if I decide to go to graduate school?

The UW–Madison Art Department answers these questions and much more on their resource page for artists.

Where can I learn about successfully marketing and selling my artwork?

ArtBusiness.com contains many articles that address these topics. The company also offers a number of services for both artists and art collectors.

Where can I find information on writing my artist statement?

Here are tips from a certified business coach who specializes in working with artists.

I’d like to put my artwork online. Are there ways to do this for free?

Artist Portfolio.net is a free online gallery creation tool for artists. You can create multiple galleries and upload as many images as you want.

Is there software available that can help me inventory my artwork, keep track of my exhibition schedules, or write grants and proposals?

Yes! Getting Your Sh*t Together, an artist-run company for artists, offers several software programs for purchase that will help you do all those things and a lot more. Artists can also send resumes and artist statements to GYST for professional review.

I’d like to take some non-degree arts courses in my free time. Where should I look?

In Madison, you can find continuing education courses covering various topics in the arts at UW–Madison and MATC.

Those living elsewhere should check with an educational institution in their area.

writing

Where can I search online for writing jobs?

Online Writing Jobs.com posts openings for writers, proofreaders, copyeditors and bloggers.

I’d like to do some freelance writing. Where can I look for jobs?

These sites should help you in your search:

I’m interested in using my writing skills to start a career in the media industry. Where can I learn more about the industry and what career options are available?

Media Bistro provides a lot of information through news, articles, and job listings for the media industry. Media Bistro also offer courses and conferences that may be helpful in pursuing a career in the media industry.

theater

I think I want to pursue a career in theatre—where can I find more information about the different types of jobs available?

Getintotheatre.org offers detailed descriptions of all the various jobs available in theatre, as well as information on the qualifications required for these careers and how to get the necessary experience. You can also send in your CV to get a professional assessment.

The University of Texas’ College of Fine Arts Career Services has also created a Career Guide for Theater Majors (PDF) which provides valuable information for those considering a career in theatre.

How do I create a CV appropriate for pursuing a theatre career?

Check out these sites for suggestions and tips on creating your CV.

Where can I find castings and job listings online?

Playbill.com and the Actors Equity Association are two excellent resources for casting calls and job listings.

I want to work behind the scenes! Where can I look for these kinds of jobs?

BackstageJobs.com is an excellent resource for job listings and news/information related to behind-the-scenes jobs in live entertainment.

I want to enter playwriting contests and competitions. How do I find out about these opportunities?

PlayingwritingOpportunities.com is a great resource for finding contests, competitions, workshops, and retreats.

dance

Where can I find information about summer dance festivals and intensives?

Check the following Web sites for summer dance programs and intensives:

My dream is to open my own studio and instruct others. Where can I find information about how to do this?

The National Dance Education Organization and the National Registry of Dance Educators are two good Web sites to start with.

I’d like to connect with other ballet dancers to discuss issues relative to the profession. How can I do this?

Ballet Talk is a forum whose mission is to focus on ballet as an art form, cover current issues in ballet, and provide a place where people can discuss ballet.

I’m anxious about starting a new career once I decide to stop dancing—where can I find help in making the transition?

Career Transitions For Dancers offers career counseling and resources to help dancers through all stages of their careers.

arts administration

I think I may be interested in a career in arts administration, but I’m not exactly sure what it is. Where can I learn more about the profession?

The Bolz Center for Arts Administration at UW–Madison provides information on what arts administration is and offers profiles of people working in arts administration.

Where can I find a list of schools/colleges that offer arts administration programs?

The Association of Arts Administration Educators provides a list of arts administration programs which are also members of the organization.

other resources

If you've found a helpful Web site, please send us an e-mail.