Artist INC
Artist INC supports working artists across disciplines with business training, mentoring, and peer learning to strengthen their artistic practices, take control of their careers, and build sustainable livelihoods.
This grant was recently updated
Applications now point to the Lawrence cohort rather than Houston or St. Louis, with an extended deadline of October 21, 2026, at 5 p.m.; use the new Lawrence application link. Participation now has a recommended $150 fee instead of being described as fully covered, and you must not be enrolled in a degree-seeking program. Each cohort is limited to 25 participants.
Funder: Mid-America Arts Alliance
Due Dates: October 21, 2026, at 5 p.m. (Lawrence extended application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Eight-week professional development seminar; recommended participant fee of $150
Summary: Artist INC helps artists across disciplines develop business skills, strengthen their practices, and build sustainable careers through mentoring and peer learning.
Key Information: Applicants to Artist INC Live must not be enrolled in a degree-seeking program.
Description
Artist INC, run by Mid-America Arts Alliance, is a professional development program addressing the business needs and everyday challenges of working artists. Its core Artist INC Live seminar brings artists together for three hours, one night a week, over eight weeks. Local Artist Peer Facilitators guide participants through small-group activities, large-group discussions, multimedia presentations, and mentoring, with an emphasis on applying business skills to their own practices.
The program aims to help artists take control of their careers while building a supportive, cross-disciplinary peer network. Training covers strategic planning, communications, branding, writing about work, financial planning, funding an artistic practice, public speaking, and sharing work with the public. Artist INC also offers Express, a weekend intensive, and What Works, an introductory workshop on sustainable artistic careers.
