Online Arts and Culture Series

Wyoming Arts Alliance (WyAA) is thrilled to kick off our 2024 Online Arts & Culture Series on Thursday, February 8th at Noon with a webinar introduction to ArtsWORK, a state-funded WIP initiative aimed at supporting artists and creatives in building a sustainable art practice, starting an arts related nonprofit, or building an arts-related business. Our guest speaker will be Beth Venn, Executive Director of the University of Wyoming Neltje Center for Excellence in Creativity and the Arts. Her presentation will outline how Wyoming-based artists and creatives in any field—from visual arts, to music, to theater and dance, writing or interdisciplinary work—can benefit this exciting new program. In addition, Venn will answer your questions about ArtsWORK and The Neltje Center.

How to become eligible for WY Arts Council and other public and private arts grants by forming a nonprofit entity in Wyoming. The alliance has teamed up with a number of renowned organizations known for their expertise in fostering nonprofit arts growth and success, to present this exclusive webinar:

• Andrew Schneider, Wyoming Arts Alliance
• Jody Shields, Wyoming Nonprofit Network
• Cashmere Balland, Wyoming Arts Council
• Amara Fehring, Wyoming Arts Council

We will also hear from two creative nonprofit on their experience navigating Wyoming nonprofit formation and maintenance:

• Emily Quintana, Opera Wyoming
• Daniel Quintana, Opera Wyoming

The arts have always played a pivotal role in Wyoming’s cultural heritage, and the Wyoming Arts Alliance has been committed to supporting artists and promoting creativity across the state for over 40 years. To further this mission, the alliance has teamed up with a number of renowned organizations known for their expertise in fostering business growth and entrepreneurial success, to present this exclusive webinar:

• The Local Crowd
• Energy Capitol Economic Development
• The Wyoming Women’s Business Center
• The Wyoming Arts Council
• The Neltje Center for Excellence in Creativity and the Arts

We will also hear from creative business and community leaders on their experience navigating Wyoming small business resources:

• Shawn Day, Sheridan City Council Member and founder of Big Horn Records
• Chad Banks, Rock Springs Main Street/URA Manager, and former Wyoming State Representative

Webinar Highlights:

1. Navigating Business Start-Up: The webinar will feature expert guidance from creative professionals on how artists can navigate the intricacies of business start-up, including legal considerations, business plan development, and budgeting strategies tailored to creative enterprises.

2. Funding Opportunities: Participants will gain valuable insights into various funding opportunities available for artists and creative entrepreneurs. The session will explore grants, loans, and other financial support programs specifically designed to bolster artistic ventures.

3. Marketing and Branding: Building a strong brand identity and effectively marketing creative products and services are crucial aspects of a successful artistic business. The webinar will delve into resources available for branding and marketing in the arts industry.

4. Networking and Collaboration: Cultivating a thriving creative business often involves collaboration and networking. Attendees will learn how to forge meaningful partnerships and connect with potential clients, collaborators, and mentors.

5. Q&A Session: The webinar will conclude with an interactive Q&A session, providing participants with the opportunity to seek personalized advice and address specific concerns related to their artistic ventures.

Wyoming Arts Alliance (WyAA) invites you to The Nicolaysen Art Museum on Thursday, May 18^th at 5:30pm for a panel conversation and reception inspired by author and former Governor David Freudenthal’s stroll through the economic history of Wyoming in his new book, Wyoming: The Paradox of Plenty — The Allure and Risk of a Mineral Economy.

Coming together to build a broader community-level understanding of this history is crucial to answering the challenging questions of the day. How do we develop the economic options and opportunities that will lead our children and grandchildren to stay and build their future here? Why are we stuck having the same decades-old conversations about economic diversification? By discussing where we are and how we got here, we can find new creative paths to address Wyoming’s economic predicaments and co-create a better future.

Programming made possible thanks to WyAA’s members, donors, and statewide grantmaking partners at the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, Wyoming Arts Council, and Wyoming Humanities Council.

Gratitude grows grant gains!

Wyoming’s new legislators need to hear from you, their constituents, every year about the value of statewide arts & culture granting programs. #hereforthearts

Join Andrew Schneider (WyAA) and Susan Stubson (WCTF) for a quick virtual workshop. In 40 minutes, we run though the basics of writing your legislator a thank you note to express gratitude if you recieved a grant from our statewide granting partners at the Wyoming Arts Council, Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, or Wyoming Humanities Council.

Special thanks to WCTF board chair Susan Stubson for joining us to give an update and perspectives on what makes a great letter!

You can access a recording of the session and resources at the link below.
Step 1: Register. Step 2: Use Passcode: qE*43@65.

Programming made possible thanks to WyAA’s members, donors, and statewide grantmaking partners at the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, Wyoming Arts Council, and Wyoming Humanities Council.

Be a More Successful Artist and Creator . . With a Luck Circle

We have all heard stories of defining moments in people’s careers, organizations, projects or lives where luck played a big part.  It’s easy to hear those stories and think, “I can’t replicate that? They had a lucky break.”  But, it turns out there is some science to luck and you can train yourself to become lucky by participating in a Luck Circle.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Scott Sherman, Transformative Action Institute, Los Angeles, CA
Taylor Craig, Wyoming Arts Council,Cheyenne, WY