Ask yourself: What kind of knowledge, experience, and professional network do I need to fully realize my dreams? We’d like to tell you about The Artist’s Professional Toolbox, a comprehensive 8-month, 18-session professional development program for visual artists.

You can learn much more at www.vlama.org. Applications are now being accepted; deadline is October 25, 2007. The program kicks off on November 9, 2007.

While this program is focused on Boston, they have had at least one Providence-based artist in each class to date. It is a great program for visual artists who are ready to take charge of their own careers – not waiting for others to do it for them. It doesn’t promote any one particular career course (gallery representation, teaching, grants, etc.), but instead provides information and tools to pursue the career track and combination of opportunities most appropriate for each artist. The course faculty includes experts in life planning, personal & small business finance, marketing, negotiation, copyright issues, etc. Jason Brockert (now based at Monohasset Mill) was in the first class, and I know he credits the course with giving him the tools to give his career a shot in the arm.

Best,
Deborah


Deborah Obalil
Executive Director
Alliance of Artists Communities