WORK OF ART: Business Skills for Artists // Program Summary

Mainframe Studios is excited to partner with Springboard for the Arts to offer a 12-week professional development program in Fall 2025. 

"Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists" is a professional development program for emerging and mid-career artists in the Des Moines metro area and hosted by Mainframe Studios. The program, based on the model by Springboard for the Arts, includes 12 in-person sessions led by 5 co-facilitators. 

The goal is to equip 20-25 artists with entrepreneurial skills, career empowerment, and the ability to make a positive impact in their communities. Topics covered include career planning, artist statements, pricing, promotions, budgeting and recordkeeping, grant writing, public speaking, and more.

Why Apply:

• Creating often happens alone, but getting your work out there and achieving your goals happens faster with help from others. Join us! 
• Investing in your development as a creative professional shows you are committed. 
• Making weekly intentional progress accelerates your artistic practice and career.
• Giving yourself dedicated time to prepare materials and get feedback from others helps you be ready for new opportunities.
• Working among others with similar goals builds your network of mentors and peers that you can rely on beyond this program. 

Please click here to read the full program guide and read over key points below before advancing to the application. 

Eligibility: 

Eligible Applicants must be:

• An individual artist, including visual/performing artist, musician, or creative writer.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Live and work in Greater Des Moines (or within a 45 mile range of Des Moines) and be able to be physically present for sessions. We unfortunately will not be able to offer online or hybrid sessions. 

For individuals with disabilities:

We can arrange for support services with the application. Please reach out to artistsupport@mainframestudios.org at least 3 weeks prior to the deadline for assistance. We believe that arts experiences should be accessible to everyone. All accepted applicants will be contacted about their accessibility needs for the program sessions (e.g ASL translator, support person, captions, braille, etc.).

Expectations:

Being a creative entrepreneur requires hard work and commitment. Accepted participants are expected to show up and do the work. This includes attending sessions, doing homework, participating in workshop activities, and supporting others in their learning.

Work of Art fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to share, listen actively, and make valuable contributions. Participants are expected to prioritize care, respect, curiosity, and continuous learning. Participants will collectively work to ensure that all voices are heard and valued.

Program Timeline & Details:

• Monday, April 28, 2025: Applications open
• Friday, June 27, 2025: Applications due
• Friday, July 18, 2025: Applicants/Participants notified by email
  

The 12-week artist program sessions will occur on Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm-8:30pm from September 3-November 19, 2025, in The Big Room at Mainframe Studios.

Cost:

It's free to apply. Accepted participants pay $150 total for the 12-week program. (That's $12.50 per week - a minimal investment in your development that helps contribute to the cost of materials and weekly support). To reduce financial barriers, a limited number of scholarships are available. 

Facilitators:

This program is for artists and by artists. Here are the 5 committeed co-facilitators and small group leaders:

• Amee Ellis // Photographer 
• Siriaco Garcia “Siricasso” // Muralist
• Ben Millett // Quilt Artist
• Amy Putney-Koenig // Painter & Mixed Media Artist
• Jill Wells // Interdisciplinary artist

Application Process: To apply, you will need the following info:

• Contact Info
• Website and social media handles, if available
• 1-2 page resume that includes arts related activities and accomplishments (Please share what you have. This is meant to help co-facilitators understand where you are in your career and how they can help meet you where you are and move you forward).
• 3-5 examples of your work with descriptions (images, audio, and video file formats are available for upload)
• Brief answers to the following questions to better understand your art practice and goals:
  • Briefly describe your art practice and tell us what you make and why. (50-150 words)
  • What are your creative business goals? What would you like to accomplish in the next year, 5 years, or beyond? (50-150 words)
  • What would you like to learn from this program and why do you want to participate? Please identify any specific areas or needs that you’d like to address to help meet your goals. (50-150 words) 

Selection Process: Co-facilitators will review applications and make selections based on:

• Applicant’s artistic practice and demonstrated art activities 
• Work examples 
• Readiness to learn, engage, and grow

Questions: Please reach out to Amee Ellis, Work of Art Curriculum Coordinator and Facilitator, at artistsupport@mainframestudios.org 

Thank You!

Thank you for sharing your works and goals. We look forward to reviewing your application. 

Should you have any questions, please contact:

• Amee Ellis, Facilitator, Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists at artistsupport@mainframestudios.org