Learning to Self-Produce in the Arts: Where do artists turn for help?

04.06.2011– Chicago, IL–First impressions count. Too often in the arts, artists don’t understand what is at risk if they try to self-produce their work and publicly fail. Unfortunately, first impressions can make lasting impressions on both artist and consumer, which is why on April April 16th The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship (IAE) will host Produce IT at The Greenhouse Theater Center 2257 N Lincoln Avenue Chicago.

Produce IT is a conversation between emerging artists and experienced arts entrepreneurs designed to create a shared platform between artist and entrepreneur to address tough challenging questions about self producing artistic work. Artists often find themselves planning events or putting on programs with few resources. The IAE offers a safe space where emerging talent can learn from the successes of those who have come before them, both through their 2 year program, which launched this fall, and inside their workshops. “Learning from the experiences of others will position artists to no longer face the challenges of so many who have come before, but rather to learn from them and self-produce immediately at a higher level,” said Executive Director, Lisa Canning.

Through a series of professional development workshops, The IAE offers a platform, outside of the traditional institution, to have an open dialogue on best practices. “At our workshops frequently audience members as well as speakers refuse to leave even after two hours of discussion and Q&A. We find that there is no substitute for learning from artist entrepreneurs in a face to face environment,”said Jessica Kaswiner, IAE External Programs Manager.

The upcoming workshop on April 16th will specifically focus on how to build the right audience for your work.
Panelists will address the following questions:

● How do you generate a buzz?
● What is your most successful marketing strategy?
● How do you find your audience and keeps them coming back?

Artists are encouraged to bring their questions.

WHEN: Saturday, April 16, 10:30 am – 12:30p

WHERE: Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL

TICKETS: $5 in Advance, $10 at the door.
Tickets can be purchased online at http://produceitgreenhouse.eventbrite.com/

Featured panelists include:
Discopoet Khari B, celebrates his love of poetry through music. He left architectural engineering studies to focus on performing poetry while working a day job in the non-profit sector, and has since successfully carved out a career in the live music scene. Khari B has worked with the AACM Jazz organization; was featured in the Illinois Arts Council’s “Meet the Composer” program and Sons d’hiver Festival in Paris. He has also hosted open mic nights at the Spoken Word Café in Bronzeville and held writing workshops at the Boulevard Arts Center, Ravinia Festival Program and Purdue University. One part rocker, one part disco and one part an academic free spirit, Khari B is the founder and lead performer of the group ‘The Rockstar Poetry Project.

Janice Bond is President and primary Artist Representative for SAVANT|SAVANT a boutique branding and artist development enterprise specializing in creative support for leading-edge independent brand concepts and artists of various mediums. Bond, a media strategist/marketing professional, has led projects in a myriad of arts related industries for project management, online marketing, and interactive production in both mainstream and emerging markets. For nearly a decade she has developed, managed, or assisted in the implementation of numerous event/interactive/promotional concepts across the globe. Her proficiency regarding social entrepreneurship, along with her experience in various industries contributes to her knack for matching client, concept, and creator.

T. Daniels, owner of T. Daniels Creations, is part of a two-member team of Modern Mimes. After studying Theatre at Illinois State University, T. Daniel went on to study Mime with Marcel Marceau and with Etienne Decroux. Daniels and his partners Laura Willets have mastered an art few have acquired. They have honed a new alliance of mime with theatre, with Music and beyond. They are among a select few who perform Classical Mime with symphony orchestras, chamber groups and their musical visions. By interpreting music with a visual component, the audible elements of music are rendered for audiences to see the music, often for the first time. In this capacity, they have rendered Bach, Beethoven, Hindsmith, Ibert, Stravinsky, Larson, Dorff and others for the eyes to hear.

For more information on Produce IT, visit www.TheIAE.com or contact Jess Kaswiner at Jess@TheIAE.com

About The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship
The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship™ is a two-year program to teach artists how to earn a living. With a curriculum that combines experiential learning, mentorship and a personalized classroom environment that provides one-on-one time with the faculty of successful artist-entrepreneurs, artists are taught how to build their own arts based business while still in school. Founded by 25-year business veteran and serial artistic entrepreneur Lisa Canning, The Institute is based on her enthusiasm for the new wave of whole-brain thinking and the firm belief that the arts –and artists—can and must be allowed to contribute to the world’s financial recovery. Enrollment is limited to 45 students. Applications are available online to apply for the institute. There is no age limit for enrollment and the requirements to apply simply include artistic excellence and a desire to be self- sufficient. For more information about the school, go to www.TheIAE.com.