Workshops

The Arkansas Arts Council runs two, professional development programs.

GetSmART! is a series of workshops that cover art-related topics for individual artists and nonprofit organizations. The program, created in 2014, is designed to provide training and networking opportunities to Arkansans in an affordable and efficient manner. These workshops are held in person and online. Past topics include starting a nonprofit, copyright law, fundraising for organizations or projects, grant writing and marketing. See more workshops on our YouTube channel.

The Arkansas Arts Council also sponsors Artist INC programs in collaboration with Mid-America Arts Alliance. These programs are artist led and help artists cultivate connections while building business skills in a wholistic way. Scroll down to learn more.

GetSmART! Learning Series Testimonials

"The GetSmART! Workshop was a wonderful experience. I really appreciated how attentive the class was; responding and asking proper questions. It was cool how we were able to get on and off subject so casually. Being that I ran out of time before finishing the presentation, I'm excited to share more." - Damen Tolbert, instructor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, director of Sound Recording Technology, Applied Woodwinds and Music Education

Upcoming Sessions TBD

Artist INC Express is an intensive, two-to-three-day workshop created to address the specific business needs and challenges artists of all disciplines face every day. The program is designed to focus participants on learning the most essential skills in the shortest amount of time.

Led by professional artist facilitators, the sessions are highly interactive and include activities and discussions focused on goal setting, writing about one’s work, and building a personal brand—the building blocks for a sustainable art practice and a successful arts business.

Interested artists must apply by using the links and application deadlines to the left.

The 2023 cohort for Artist INC Live pose after the Live Share.

The Arkansas Arts Council is pleased to have sponsored this eight-week professional development session in Pine Bluff and Little Rock with Mid-America Arts Alliance and to waive the $150 fee for individual creatives participating. No sessions are planned for the rest of 2024.

Artist INC LIVE is a training seminar designed to address the specific professional and entrepreneurial challenges that artists of all disciplines face in their practices. Artists will learn and grow together through artist facilitator mentoring, small group activities, large group discussions, multimedia lectures and a remarkable opportunity for networking with other artists.

For more information, email [email protected].