Professional Development for Creative Practices

9 units · Undergraduate

Fall and Spring: 9 units Creative practices - whether that is sustaining an individual studio practice, working as a contracted freelancer, engaging in temporary collaborations or commissions, or working within an incorporated business or non-profit - all benefit from a foundational knowledge of business organizational, legal, and financial structures and practices. By participating in professional development to understand these underlying systems, strategies and frameworks, any creative practitioner can better develop and enact strategies for personal empowerment, sustainability and long-term success. Throughout this course, students can expect to develop this foundational knowledge through a combination of introductory lectures, in-class workshops, case study analysis, and classroom discussion as we deep dive into topic definition, application, ethics, and best practices. Topics covered will include, but are not limited to: organizational and legal business structures; intellectual property protection and monetization; legal agreements and contracts, agency and employment relationships; strategies and methods for generating income and fundraising; financial management and obligations; business negotiation and compromise; and elements of business strategy development. This course assumes no prior background in business education, administrative experience, or arts management.