Pine Bluff artists to benefit from new career development initiative

Pine Bluff, Arkansas – Pine Bluff welcomes a transformative resource for its artistic community: Artist INC. This innovative program promises to reshape the careers of local artists by equipping them with essential tools to thrive in their profession.

A Beacon for Career Development in the Arts

Designed to guide artists toward a promising and sustainable arts practice, Artist INC is not new to the world of arts. Since its inception in 2009, the program has empowered over 1,400 artists with strategies to overcome unique challenges inherent in the artistic realm. From goal setting to brand development, artists are trained to create, evolve, and sustain in a competitive environment.

The driving force behind this commendable initiative is the collaboration between the Mid-America Arts Alliance, Arkansas Arts Council, and the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC). Their joint efforts are geared towards ensuring artists in Pine Bluff have the framework to not only survive but flourish in their artistic endeavors.

Selected artists can look forward to an intensive eight-week program that spans from February 6, 2024, to March 26, 2024. These seminars, scheduled every Tuesday evening, are not just informative but are also fully sponsored. The Arkansas Arts Council has generously committed to bearing all associated costs, ensuring no financial barriers for the participating artists.

Leading these seminars will be a team of accomplished Arkansas artists, bringing a rich tapestry of experiences to the table. Artists such as Justin Bryant, Maximilliano Dominguez, and Cheryl ‘Candysoul’ Humphry, among others, will share their wisdom, techniques, and strategies with their peers.

Recognizing the diverse needs of the artistic community, Artist INC also offers Artist INC Express (AIX) Pine Bluff – a condensed version of the full program for those unable to commit to the eight-week duration. The deadline for this streamlined workshop is September 28, 2023.

Beyond Seminars: Building a Community

More than just seminars, Artist INC envisions a closely-knit community of artists. Encouraging collaborations, resource sharing, and mutual growth, the program aims to foster connections that persist beyond its duration. All these enriching activities will unfold at The ARTSpace on Main in the Kline Gallery, a venue that resonates with creativity.

Backing this significant endeavor are the Windgate Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, symbolizing their dedication to nurturing the arts.

Artist INC’s arrival in Pine Bluff heralds a new dawn for artists in the region, ensuring they have the support, knowledge, and community to illuminate their career paths.