ARTIST ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM


The Artist Entrepreneur Program (AEP) is a cohort of twenty Oklahoma City creatives with artistic businesses in the fields of visual arts, music, dance, and theater. Over the course of 10 weeks, participants will learn about topics such as business plans, legal compliance, accounting, marketing, grant writing, and more.  The program will culminate with a celebratory event where artists will pitch their business plans to the broader business entrepreneurial community. Participants who successfully complete the program will each be eligible to apply for a $5,000 grant to implement their creative business plan.


THE PITCH NIGHT

The AEP program culminates in a public Pitch Night. This event serves as a networking gathering where the AEP Cohort will pitch their business plans to the broader business entrepreneurial community. Participants who successfully complete the program will each be eligible to apply for a $5,000 grant to implement their creative business plan.

More details coming soon!

AEP FAQs
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What is the AEP?
The Artist Entrepreneur Program is a 10-week accelerator designed to equip under-resourced and under-represented artists in Oklahoma City with the skills and knowledge to create and enhance strategic business plans for their artistic ventures. The program connects participants to a network of mentors, business owners, and entrepreneurs, culminating in an opportunity to pitch their business plans and apply for a $5,000 micro-grant after successfully completing the program.

Who is behind AEP?
AEP is hosted by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) in partnership with The Alliance and Oklahoma Arts Management Solutions. The program leverages the expertise of professional business owners and arts industry specialists to provide mentorship and guidance to participating artists.

Who should apply to AEP?
The program is designed for practicing artists in Oklahoma City across various disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance, theater, and film. Applicants should be artists who have demonstrated business operations and are either minority-owned, located in Qualified Census Tracts, or have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

How can I apply for AEP?
Applicants can submit their applications through the online platform Submittable. Detailed instructions and the link to apply are available on the OVAC’s website dedicated to the Artist Entrepreneur Program. Make sure to prepare all required documents and information as outlined in the application guidelines. Apply here!

What happens after I submit my application?
Once applications are submitted, they undergo a review process by a selection panel that includes program leadership, staff mentors, entrepreneurs, and business specialists. Applicants are scored based on various criteria, and the top scorers will be pre-selected for potential participation. Final acceptance notifications will be sent by mid-July, and selected participants must confirm their attendance within ten business days.

What are the goals and anticipated outcomes of AEP?
AEP aims to provide comprehensive business education to artists, enhancing their business acumen and organizational skills. Anticipated outcomes include improved business strategies, increased financial sustainability, and greater engagement with the arts community.

What does the curriculum include?
The curriculum covers a range of topics essential for arts entrepreneurship, such as business planning, marketing, fundraising, legal aspects, financial management, and pitch development. Participants will engage in lectures, hands-on activities, group discussions, and mentoring and networking sessions.

Are there topics in the curriculum to help me improve my fundraising and grant writing skills?
Yes! These specific components of the currciulum will focus on diversifying revenue (including grant writing and proposals for investors) as well as how to find grant opportunities for your specific needs/goals.

How can participants benefit from the $5,000 grant?
Eligible participants who successfully complete their business proposals may apply for a $5,000 micro-grant from The Alliance. This grant supports the implementation of business plans developed during the program, covering expenses like marketing, equipment, and other operational costs.

If I am an OVAC grant recipient, can I still participate?
Yes! You can still participate and be eligible to apply for the $5,000 grant.

What is the commitment required for AEP?
Participants must commit to weekly in-person sessions at The Verge, totaling approximately 3.5 hours per week, over the course of 10 weeks. The program includes additional activities such as mentoring sessions, tours of art spaces, and the final pitch night.

How are participants selected?
Applications are reviewed by a panel using a detailed rubric that assesses artistic background, business needs, commitment to the program, and other criteria. The selection process is competitive, aiming to identify artists who will most benefit from and contribute to the program.

What networking opportunities does AEP offer?
The program concludes with a pitch night where artists present their business plans to the local entrepreneurial and arts community, offering a platform for feedback and potential funding. Ongoing mentorship and peer interactions throughout the program also foster valuable professional connections.

Where and when does the program take place?
The program sessions are held in the evenings at The Verge in Oklahoma City, running from September 3 - November 5. The exact schedule and deadlines for applications can be found on OVAC’s AEP webpage.

How do I know if I am operating within Oklahoma City Limits?
Check your address on this map.

How do I demonstrate business operations?
Proof of business operations can include items such as signed contracts, articles of incorporation, tax returns, business licenses, business insurance, letters of reference, pay stubs, income statements, and/or evidence of completed work/projects/partnerships/volunteerism/pro bono work.

What if I am not a registered business?
If you are not currently a registered business with the Oklahoma Secretary of State you will need to do so prior to July 1, 2024 at www.sos.ok.gov to be eligible to participate in AEP. Additionally,the Oklahoma SBDC offers free consulting services. To utilize their services visit oksbdc.org and click on “Request Advising.” As long as your business is registered prior to July 1, 2024, you meet this eligibility requirement.

What qualifies my business as Minority-Owned?
For the purposes of the AEP program, minority-owned is defined by race/ethnicity.

What is a Qualified Census Tract (QCT)?
A Qualified Census Tract (QCT) is a geographic area designated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that has either a poverty rate of at least 20% or a median family income that does not exceed 80% of the area's median income. If you are applying under this criteria, refer to the provided map to determine if your business address is within one of the census tract locations.

How do I qualify under the Negative Economic Impact criteria?
Evidence can include cancellation of contracts, jobs, lay-offs, or other negative consequences related to your creative business.

Questions? Reach out to ovac.aep@gmail.com.


THE 2024 COHORT

Neí Bass

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Aroma Dance Company is a faith-based organization dedicated to spreading the love of Jesus through the creative arts. They actively seek opportunities to inspire and connect with both their local community and global audiences.

Lindsey Cox

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stepmom is an orchestral dream punk band from Oklahoma City. Their unique sound blends dreamy harmonies, ambient cello and synth, with angsty guitar riffs and powerful lead vocals. This fusion captures the essence of disillusionment felt by many seeking meaning in a distorted reality. The band is the creative brainchild of lead singer and guitarist Lindsey Cox, whose vision is brought to life with the help of musical collaborators: Cheyenne McCoy on bass and cello, Amie Reardon on drums and oboe, and Bailey Pelletier on synth and keys.

Bee Doublehue

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Write Out Da Box specializes in fine visual art, music production, and audio engineering. Led by B. Williams, the company is dedicated to producing unique, handcrafted works of art and providing detailed and caring music services. With a commitment to creativity and quality, Write Out Da Box aims to inspire and engage audiences through innovative projects and exceptional craftsmanship. By leveraging a diverse skill set and an expectation of excellence. Write Out Da Box stands out as a multifaceted enterprise dedicated to pushing the boundaries of art.

Josh Jaiye Farrell

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Oklahoma-based artist Jaiye Farrell cultivated his style of painting from abstract patterns that transcend societal and cultural divides and remember the communal roots of humanity. From an infatuation with archeology emerged a creative and ambitious talent: to craft signature designs that inspire self-reflection and wonder.

Sheila Guffey

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Sheila Guffey Art Outreach offers fine art classes and consulting services tailored to benefit adults living in senior living facilities, including independent and assisted living, nursing homes, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, and memory care centers.

Lincka

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Lincka is opening up a New Chicanx Owned, Music Studio to record/produce Latinx POC Artists in Oklahoma City and touring bands alike! This will be a place where Brown Artists can have a space to freely and safely explore their artistry. There is currently no space like this in Oklahoma City and we cannot wait any longer. Being a Chicana Pop Artist in OKC, Lincka has always had Chican fans come up to them with such excitement to tell them they are an inspiration to them.

LOLAFREAKINKITTY

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LOLAFREAKINKITTY (LFKY) is a semi realistic artist that lives to create, she grew up taking art classes since elementary school and found herself majoring in studio art in college.

Clarence Long III

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Clarence Long Photography offers gallery-styled, fine art prints of macro, nature, and abstract photography for art collectors, homeowners, and businesses. With over 8 years of meticulously crafted photography experience and partnering with internationally recognized photo print labs, Clarence Long Photography strives to provide some of the highest quality fine art prints on the market. Clarence's mission is to showcase the true beauty of our world through his artistic vision of natural and abstract subjects that allow the viewer to have a greater appreciation for the beauty of life.

Emily Madden

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Thready Or Knot Upholstery and Design is a small female owned and run shop in the heart of OKC seeking to breathe new life into their clients most cherished furniture with a mission of reminding people of how important functional art is and the energy thoughtfully curated and crafted furniture can bring to a space.

Tiffany McKnight

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Tiffany McKnight is an Oklahoma City-based artist, speaker, and consultant focused on empowering creatives through public art and community building. Since 2020, she’s created murals for Plaza Walls, Sunny Dayz Mural Fest, With Love OKC and more. Awarded a THRIVE Grant in 2021, Tiffany produced a community project and art book via her company, People by People. Recently, she completed her largest mural at Norman’s Adult Wellness & Education Center, continuing her mission to forge authentic connections and make her mark as an emerging Black female designer.

Nia Moné

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Nia Moné is a singer songwriter based in OKC. She is known for her live performances, including her full band and dancers. She performed at Many local festivals and venues and is the first performer to perform at Beer City Music Hall.

Erick Perry

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HOMADE Studios is an atelier for Erick Perry who produces conceptual artworks through photography, film and more.

Santiago Ramones

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Santiago Ramones is a composer, podcaster, producer, songwriter, and performer. He makes all kinds of music, shifting to follow the intention that best serves the music. He is a composer first, meaning he puts music together for it to be played later, be it by him, other musicians, the computer, or a combination of them all. He also does audio freelance services - he does sound for weddings and other events, is an audio engineer, has a PA system, and produces audio for multimedia projects.

Klint Schor

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Klint Schor has been a self-employed artisan for the past 20 years fabricating sculpture and objects for both public and private commissions.

Denae Smith

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The Creative Oasis project is an ongoing endeavor to build a professional business that supports both emerging and established artists including mentoring youth, promoting cultural inclusion, and expanding artistic skills. By offering continuous programs and growth opportunities, it aims to aid young talents and help seasoned artists advance their careers while fostering a diverse and inclusive artistic community.

Topatío

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Topatío is a Queer Latinx Drag artist in the state, who has spent a majority of their career changing the arena of what it means to do gender expressive art through their performances, show producing ability ; curation of casts and stages. They work in local community, dedicating themselves to the work that elevates and legitimizes drag - bringing it to locals and updating their city on what drag is for their generation. Whilst pulling from queer history and ancestry, Topatío constantly aims to create something new and original, pushing POC + Trans artist to the forefront.

Traxler

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Traxler is a multi-disciplinary artist specializing painting and mixed media visual arts, fashion design, and neo-classical music and hip hop.

Chandler Watson

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Chandler Watson is a photographer, visual artist and stand-up comedian based out of Oklahoma City. In 2016 he went to Los Angeles to pursue comedy. During his time in LA he discovered his love for street photography and fine art. He began honing his skills so that he can one day open his own gallery, while having his art and photographs shown around the world. In 2021 Chandler was a commissioned to create a mural which would go on to be made into a Day in McAlester Oklahoma. August 19th is Marshall in Motion day.

Juanita Williams

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Salt is essential for both the function and enjoyment of life. Salted Performing Arts creates immersive art and develops artists for eternal change, bringing hope and joy into a chaotic world.

Taylor Young

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Taylor Young’s art merges sacred imagery with contemporary themes, inspired by iconic symbols and global travels. His paintings, crafted on cotton paper with watercolor, gouache, and gold acrylics, blend divine and earthly narratives. Young’s work explores mythology, sacred geometry, and personal experiences, challenging traditional symbolism with themes of rebirth and protection. As a queer artist, identity influences his art, inviting viewers to engage with the intersections of the mundane and the transcendent. His compositions, rich with vibrant hues and emotional depth, offer an inquiry into existence, encouraging reflection on the complexities of life and the beauty of the human condition.


PROGRAM PARTNERS






CONTACT US

Phone: (405)879-2400

Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9AM–5PM

ADDRESS

Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition

1720 N. Shartel Ave. Suite B.

Oklahoma City, OK 73103

© 2024 Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition. All rights reserved. Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 73-1328072.

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