An audience stands on a sidewalk, watching dancers perform on the steps of a building.

Creative Producing 101

A course introducing the most essential skills young artists need to produce their own work and identify as a creative producer. Pig Iron Director of Development and Communications, as well as independent creative producer/fundraiser/strategist, J.J. El-Far will provide an overview of the different institutions and structures that define the current art-making landscape, to help students understand the ecosystem of arts organizations, funders, and service organizations.  Course topics will include fundamentals of development and fundraising, marketing and communication, outreach and partnerships, and arts administration. If you've been sitting on a creative project for too long because you’re daunted by the logistics of management and fundraising, then this workshop is for you.

In 7 sessions, we will explore the most essential skills that any independent artist needs to get a project off the ground. We will focus on practical, real-world tools needed to manifest your own path within the arts landscape of the US and internationally. Our launch points include: self-actualizing as a creative producer; fundraising both in old-school and in 21st-century ways; promotion and audience engagement; budgeting and financial basics; building equitable collaborations; understanding the presenter network; and developing evaluation metrics. Whether you are interested in self-producing or forming your own organization, you will walk away with enough of the basics to feel empowered to begin.

WHO IS IT FOR:
Theater artists and performance makers who want tools and vocabulary to deal with the business side of creating their own work; artists who want the not-for-profit system and the support systems for independent artists demystified; theatermakers and ensemble leaders looking for a wide view of opportunities in the contemporary performing arts landscape.

DATES:
Tuesday, March 16: 6:00-8:00pm
Tuesday, March 23: 6:00-8:00pm
Tuesday, March 30: 6:00-8:00pm
Tuesday, April 6: 6:00-8:00pm
Tuesday April 13: 6:00-8:00pm
Tuesday April 20: 6:00-8:00pm
Tuesday April 27: 6:00-8:00pm 

Note: All times are listed in US Eastern Daylight Time.

COST:
$225

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Header image: Spaces by Kaimera Productions, photo courtesy of Harlem Arts Festival, 2017