As a new Fishers Arts Council board member, Olivia Holt determined quickly there was a need of information for area artists to become entrepreneurs.
With the support of partnerships with Nickel Plate Arts, Ignite Studio and Hamilton County Tourism, Holt and the Fishers Arts Council have helped shape a four-part lecture series.
After surveying artists and community members for six months, Holt discovered artists wanted marketing help, community connections and information on getting into galleries.
Holt, a 2011 Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate and mixed media artist, graduated with a degree in fine arts from Ball State in 2016. She joined the Fishers Arts Council in October 2018.
“I like that we have the ability to make this program very flexible for artists and community members to learn,” said Holt, who now lives in Broad Ripple. “This year we are focusing on four specific topics: marketing, galleries, exhibiting and local success stories. The topics were selected based on community feedback. Artists told us what they wanted to learn, and we responded. As we receive more feedback from artists, we will be able to update the programming to include new future topics.”
The series is intended to help artists with their business, community and professional skills. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the first session, and possibly others, will be offered online. Although intended for artists, the series is open to the public. Registration is required.
The series takes is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the following four Thursdays: Marketing for Artists — Skill Building, April 23; Inside the Gallery World — Be in the Know, June 25; Exhibiting Artists —Learn the How, Aug. 20; and Hoosier Success Stories — Be Inspired, Oct. 22.
Ignite will host sessions if it is able to be open for any of the final three.
“Our panelists will have the opportunity to speak individually before we transition into a Q&A panel style,” Holt said. “After the moderator’s questions, the participants will be able to ask questions via the online Webinar and in person once social distancing is lifted. We will have different presenters for each session. Our first two panels have marketing experts and art gallery owners. Our final two panels will feature artists from various disciplines living in Fishers and surrounding areas.”
Holt said the Fishers Arts Council is thankful to have other organizations within the community to collaborate with and provide different art opportunities and education.
“Nickel Plate Arts reached out to us and other local groups who already had programs in mind for this year,” Holt said. “NPA pulled us together for a 2020 season of professional development programming, with Hamilton County Tourism supporting us all through countywide promotion. Conner Prairie and the Da Vinci Pursuit, along with the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, help round out the programming.
“With all of these groups supporting each other and promoting the other’s programs, this aids in our reach to the community at large. We are hopeful when social distancing restrictions are lifted, everyone’s programming can come back.”
For more and to register, visit fishersartscouncil.org.
