Financial training workshop for artists Jan. 17 in Cedar City

The Independent

If an artist wants to be successful they will quickly find that much of their time is spent on the phone promoting their art, and doing tasks required to run a business. Success is not just about the art, to many artists’ chagrin. But financial training helps artists succeed. Artists in the literary, performing, and visual arts who want to refine their business skills have a unique opportunity with the Professional Development Workshop Series, sponsored by the Cedar City Arts Council. The next class will be tomorrow, Jan. 17, with financial training business professional, Craig Isom.

Isom will be drawing on his vast experience in the financial focus of business to share his insights on what persons starting their own business in art will need to know concerning start-up funding, true cost of doing business, profit, bookkeeping, cash flow, and financial legal issues – such as taxes. This workshop will be held at 10 a.m. at the Aquatic Center. Cost is free for members of CCAC or $10 per session for non-members.

Isom is the Executive Director of the SUU Business Resource Center and Small Business Development Center.  He provides management, marketing, and financial accounting consultation to all types of businesses and has taught accounting, auditing, and entrepreneurship at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Before coming to SUU ten years ago he had a 26 year career working with small businesses in California and teaching at San Jose State University.  His career has been focused on providing assistance in the early stages to grow businesses.

Debbie Drake, along with invited professionals, leads the workshops to train local artists and arts organizations that desire to know more about the business side of arts management.

“Four remaining  classes focus on a specific component of a business plan, so the artists that complete the series will possess a working business plan and have a clear direction for their successful future,” said Drake. Meeting schedule and topics include:

– January 17, 2015 Finances led by Craig Isom
– January 31, 2015 Grant Writing
– February 14, 2015 Summary/Legal Issues (copyright)
– February 28, 2015 Celebration! Present Plans/Art

The Cedar City Arts Council strives to support artists of all disciplines and increase access to the arts throughout our area. These workshops are designed to help both individuals and groups to increase their audiences, funding, and impact. Visual artists, actors, dancers, writers, film makers, and musicians will all benefit from these workshops.