The course will include lecture, lab and seminar components, with frequent guest speakers to enhance networking and learning opportunities. In the seminar, students will be expected to share their findings, experiences and writing. Students will also be expected to attend and report on arts and cultural activities during the term. At least one one-on-one interview with the instructor will be required, with discussion focused on career development accomplishments and plans.
1. Professional Readiness Review
Students will review
- career and income streams for arts entrepreneurs
- market analysis for arts entrepreneurs
- job-hunting/freelancing strategies
- cover letters and resume-writing
- how to set up a professional office/studio
- basic recordkeeping requirements for self-employed arts entrepreneurs
- business plan components of particular importance for self-employed arts entrepreneurs
2. Building an Online Professional Portfolio
Students will
- examine the criteria for a successful online portfolio
- identify the type of content required
- inventory their work to date and assess its readiness for online publication
- develop a preliminary plan for their online portfolio
- identify any gaps in content and develop/identify additional components
- working within a website content management system, build and usability-test the portfolio
- using analytics, begin to assess its promotional effectiveness
3. Enhancing an Online Presence
Students will
- be introduced to the broader range of print, web and social media tools available
- review trends in social media-based promotion
- write, revise and distribute promotional material, with an emphasis on using current social media tools including a blogging platform
- identify their current brand and desired brand
- identify strategies for developing, maintaining or changing a brand/online presence
4. Writing Grant Applications and Proposals
Students will
- gain an overview of sources of grant funding
- learn the rhetorical principles and strategies used in writing grant applications
- write and revise a basic grant application
- review a sample proposal and identify its components
- identify the factors involved in costing a job and requirements for an invoice
- review a sample artist's statement/biographical note and write one
5. Building Relationships Through Networking
Students will
- participate in discussions with guest speakers throughout the course
- be expected to attend at least one industry event during the term
- prepare and present a brief oral report on the industry event
Students who successfully complete this course will
- acquire further knowledge of current and emerging opportunities for arts entrepreneurs
- enhance their skills in job search and work creation
- build their online professional portfolio of exemplary work
- use social media and other online tools to enhance their online presence
- strengthen their writing process and revising skills
Students will demonstrate their mastery of course material through assignments, involvement in group work, and participation in a public event (e.g., portfolio show, presentation) at the end of term.
Students write "statements of commitments" to help them identify specific professional goals and report on their progress toward those goals.
Students are expected to be self-motivated and to demonstrate professionalism, which includes active participation, good attendance, punctuality, effective collaboration, ability to meet deadlines, presentation skills, and accurate self-evaluation.
Evaluation will be based on this general format:
| Individual/group projects (3) | 30% |
| Statements of commitment (i.e., contracts) (3) | 30% |
| Portfolio development and presentation | 30% |
| Professionalism/participation (as defined above) | 10% |
| 100% |
Coursepack of industry readings from arts, music and professional communication magazines and journals.
Career development publications from industry associations such as the Vancouver Cultural Alliance and Cultural Human Resources Canada as well as practitioners. For example,
Cultural Human Resources Canada. (n.d.). The art of managing your career. (Discipline enhancements include film, music and theatre.) CHRC.
D'Eith, B. (2014). A career in music: The other 12 step program. Adagio Music.
Admission to the Diploma Program in Music Technology or the Bachelor of Performing Arts or instructor permission.
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