Tipping Points for Creatives Brings Together Artists and Resources to Help Entrepreneurs in the Creative Economy

During a press conference last month, Mayor Tim Keller, along with the City’s Cultural Services and Economic Development departments, announced a new initiative to address the business needs and challenges of local artists of all backgrounds. Tipping Points for Creatives aims to connect local musicians, visual and performing artists, artisans, and other creative entrepreneurs to resources and services that will help them get to the next level and make a living doing what they love to do.

Artists were asked to participate in phase one by filling out a short online questionnaire indicating their background, challenges, and needs to sustain their art. They were also asked if they would like to participate in facilitated in-person cohort convenings and resource-sharing opportunities. Within 24 hours, more than 100 artists completed the questionnaire. Within one week, that number grew to nearly 300!

Artists invited to participate in the next phase will be placed into diverse cohort groups for in-person meetings beginning in April and throughout 2019. Based on findings from the meetings, the City along with partner organizations, including City Alive, Downtown Arts and Cultural District, and Keshet Center for the Arts, will finalize a list of services and resources that can be provided to artists. Types of resources include but are not limited to personal coaching from local experts, professional photography sessions, performance space, and production facilities.

-Dr. Shelle Sanchez