The Maine Arts Commission recently presented a transformative two-day Creative Capital Professional Development Retreat in partnership with Maine College of Art. Creative Capital is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing integrated financial and advisory support to artists pursuing adventurous projects in five disciplines: Emerging Fields, Film/Video, Literature, Performing Arts and Visual Arts. Working in long-term partnership with artists, Creative Capital’s pioneering approach to support combines funding, counsel and career development services to enable a project’s success and foster sustainable practices for its grantees. The Professional Development Program has reached more than 4,200 artists in 70 communities across the country. The retreat was held at MECA on September 15 and 16.

The Professional Development Retreat delivered dynamic skill-building opportunities to artists for long-term change. Using strategic planning as the central tool, the retreat provided a comprehensive learning structure that helps artists identify short-term project goals and longer-term career goals. The aim of the retreat was to help artists build the skills and identify the resources needed to accomplish their goals. Creative Capital uses an integrated methodology to build skills in the core areas of marketing/public relations, financial planning and fundraising. Overall, the retreat helps artists break ineffective patterns of time and work management, and increase satisfaction in the business of their art.

If you are interested in learning more about this professional development program and other similar upcoming opportunities, please contact Jessica Tomlinson at [email protected].