The Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) seeks to equip professional Artists in Northwest Louisiana to earn at least 30% of their income through the production and distribution of their Art (Visual, Literary, and Performing).  Therefore, SRAC has developed the ARTIST UP! Entrepreneurial Program, founded on three elements:

1.    A Coach! Artists benefit greatly from a “Coach/Mentor” who provides individual attention and guidance to each Artist during the Class and in the weeks/months that follow. SRAC's coach is a proven entrepreneur – an Artist who has achieved the ability to earn 100% of her income from the production and distribution of Art! SRAC is so thankful to have the experience, passion, skill, and excellent communication of the renowned Lesli Marshall, Articulations Art. and a team of panelists who have a demonstrated expertise in a designated skill set required for successful entrepreneurs.

2.    Panelists!  Each week there will be a one-hour presentation by experts in a specific topic!  Critics will share their expertise and some “tips / tricks of the trade” for excelling in areas of marketing, social media, finding markets, setting a budget and managing finances, and thinking beyond the production and sales of paintings and sculptures! The panel presentation is one hour, and there is a short 15-minute Q & A that Lesli will moderate.

3.    Exhibition with the work presented for purchase.  The Artists will submit their work and (secretly) suggest the price it is expected to garner. A selected team of “buyers, collectors, gallerists” will review the works and suggest the price they believe the piece could compel.  This is a highlight of the experience and is accomplished in person in Shreveport.

Overall Entrepreneurial Program Goals are as follows:

1.    Provide Northwest Louisiana Artists with the tools, resources and information needed to determine whether to make the commitment to work as a Professional Artist - earning their “living wage” from the production and distribution of their Art or remain an avocational Artist.

2.    Provide Professional Artists with the Skills to earn - and sustain earning - at least 30% of their “living wage” through the production and distribution of their Art.

3.    Provide continuing education and increased Entrepreneurial Skills to Professional Artists who have already graduated and are participating in the zoom session.

4.    Link Artists to Markets and to the opportunities that abound in the “Community Service/Social Service” realm of engagement. The Residents of the Creative Placemaking community that SRAC is developing, Shreveport Common, (particularly those living in Social Service Organization provided Housing) seek opportunities for meaningful experiences.  It is helpful when Artists support the Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s Mission for “No Displacement” of the current residents while the revitalization, through the Arts and by the Artists, progresses and begins to attract market value housing and mixed-use retail.

5.    Ultimately, manifest the Vision for Shreveport Common as an “UNcommon Destination for UNprecedented Experiences created by Artists.”  In order to do this, Artists must have confidence to take the leap to earn their living in and through the opportunities provided - and discovered - in Shreveport Common.