The City of Austin Economic Development Department has announced the opening of applications for its Artist Career Training program, aimed at empowering creative professionals in the Austin area. This six-week business training initiative is designed to equip participants with skills in business planning, marketing, and funding essential for managing a successful enterprise within the creative industries.
“Our goal is to empower artists with the business acumen necessary to thrive in their creative endeavors,” said Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the Economic Development Department. “This program offers invaluable resources and support to help creatives turn their passion into sustainable careers.”
A maximum of 24 creative professionals will be selected through a competitive application process based on criteria such as the quality of artistic work, career goals, and overall readiness for the program. Participants will also develop grant proposals for both the City’s cultural funding program and other regional funding opportunities. The training concludes with a proposal pitch where three winners will receive seed grants to start their projects.
Selected participants are required to pay a non-refundable course fee of $150. Eligibility criteria include being at least 18 years old and residing within the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson Counties. University or community college students are not eligible.
Applications open on Tuesday, July 16 at 10 a.m. and close on Tuesday, August 13 at 5 p.m. The six-week program runs from October 9 to November 13 with sessions held in-person every Wednesday evening from 6-9 p.m. at the City of Austin Economic Development Department located at 5202 East Ben White Boulevard.
For more details about the program and application resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/artistcareertraining.
