The Business of Art Goes Viral!

This year, the Business of Art, for the first time in 10 years, was an online only event. According to Sears Art Museum Director and conference coordinator Kathy Cieslewicz,

“Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to move the conference fully online to protect the health of presenters and guests.” What is the Business of Art? Cieslewicz says,

“The Business of Art is a seminar for visual artists and small businesses, in all disciplines, with a goal of educating and training artists and enhancing economic development in our state and region.”

Because art is a visual medium, organizers were worried about capturing the essence of the popular conference through an online platform. Cieslewicz proudly explained,

“Successful artists from across the state of Utah spoke to over 100 attendees on topics ranging from protecting art through copyright to creating a marketing plan to managing social media. Other speakers delivered inspiration. 

“Over the two day conference fourteen separate classes were offered along with a Q&A with the Creative Genius Panel. Sitting on the panel were seasoned commercial artists who shared tips on making a successful living as a professional artist.”

Attendees were able to chat and network with other participants as they always do, albeit over a chat box and through breakout rooms, rather than in-person. Attendees were also able to receive online resources to help their business, develop their professional demeanor when presenting their artwork, and receive artistic inspiration. One of the highlights of the conference was “Steve and Tonya Vistaumet addressing the audience via Zoom to talk about the dreaded artist block/burnout. The couple gave their plan of action to combat artist block to help artists find their way back to their passion of creating art.”

Also new to this year’s conference was a strategic partnership with the Business Resource Center. Outreach Manager Colette Cox said “We are thrilled to offer our services and business expertise to the artists participating in the Business of Art Conference. They gained valuable skills over the two day event that took place on October 23rd and 24th. These artists are now primed to utilize resources at Atwood Innovation Plaza and the Business Resource Center throughout the year.

Cieslewicz looks forward to next year, saying, “We invite artists from across America to join us next year. With or without masks we look forward to seeing you next year. Save the date: October 22 &  23, 2021. See you then!”

For more information on this annual event, please click here.