Image supplied
It’s undeniably true that not all entrepreneurs are artists, but it is absolutely true that any artist who really wants to succeed must be an entrepreneur. Whether you’re an arts practitioner or a professional in the creative industries, you need the skills to sell yourself and your products to get ahead. If you’re serious about taking your creative career to the next level it could be time to enrol in a Diploma of Creative Enterprise with Acknowledge Creativity.
The courses offered by Acknowledge Creativity have been especially designed for the creative industries. They help aspiring entrepreneurs live the dream by translating their vision into something practical and workable. From the basics of selling, pitching, and contracts, to business planning, finance and marketing, these real-world skills will help you succeed in the creative industries.
‘The skill sets of the entrepreneur and the artist are complementary, spanning across industries and opening up new possibilities,’ said Suzanne Jackson, Managing Director of Acknowledge Creativity, a division of Acknowledge Education.
‘There is a bond between art and business that makes each stronger and more relevant to the creative industries and beyond. Acknowledge Creativity builds bridges between art and business, bringing creative flair to business and business acumen to the arts,’ she said.
One of the biggest challenges for arts practitioners is building a sustainable business so your art becomes what you do, not just something you do when you can find the time. It’s the difference between a hobby and a career. You may be the best artisan or songwriter or photographer but you also need to understand business and finance and entrepreneurship. These skills are vital if you’re pitching an idea, applying for a loan, or competing for a tender.
Arts managers and administrators also need a broad range of competencies beyond their niche skill set if they are to make the best career moves. Importantly, these are all transferable skills that will underpin your long-term creative and career success, no matter where life takes you.
The Diploma of Creative Enterprise is designed to work around you and your own particular situation, giving you skills, insights, and advice that you can use immediately.
‘The courses are run as small group seminars, so everyone can share their input and ideas, just as everyone receives feedback and advice,’ said Chris Hewson, one of the course facilitators. ‘It’s like having your own personal business advisory group right there to help you with the issues, challenges, and opportunities of being successful and sustainable.’
Many students who have completed the Diploma say that achieving focus and clarity around their business and career goals was one of the most valuable outcomes of the course. The workshops and seminars, often featuring guest lecturers who are leaders in their field, help students to focus on their aims and develop clear pathways to success. This can be very difficult to achieve alone or with the help of well-meaning friends. It often takes someone with expert eyes to see the issues and ask all the right questions.
Completing the course enables students to work more efficiently, reducing the time they devote to administration and other tasks, and giving them more time and energy to concentrate on their creative practice.
Students also speak highly of the professional relationships they form during the course, both with fellow students and with course leaders and lecturers. These are valuable relationships that often prove the adage, ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’.
‘Many years from now, these people may be your client or boss, mentor or employee. And every relationship brings with it new contacts and new opportunities,’ said Hewson.
The Diploma of Creative Enterprise is designed to be flexible with sessions available in the evenings and on weekends to suit busy lifestyles. Within that flexible course structure, there is still a lot of work to be done. Students need to be serious about their careers and prepared to be committed and disciplined to take full advantage of the course and the many benefits it offers.
Applications are now open for the next Diploma of Creative Enterprise beginning on 18 June in Melbourne. The program is also expanding with intakes due shortly in Sydney and Perth. For more information go to www.acknowledgecreativity.com or contact Acknowledge Education at hello@ae.edu.au or 1300 858 180.
