ARTIST CAREER SUPPORT

Explore employment in the arts COURSE

Explore Employment in the Arts is a six-week course that offers information, guidance, and resources to students and adults interested in pursuing a career in the arts.

Topics and activities include:

  • Presentation on various categories of art jobs and careers

  • Hands-on experience with foundational art techniques

  • Information on post-secondary education options

  • Self-reflection and skill assessment

  • Informational interview and Q&A with a career artist

  • Marketing and networking skills

  • Portfolio development

  • Exhibiting and selling artwork

This course is funded by MN Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Both pre-ETS and VRS General Services individuals are eligible.

Pre-ETS Services for Exploring Art Employment

We offer individualized exploration in art jobs and careers. Counseling activities and content is driven by the student and may include research, discussion, and resources on areas of interest.  

Topics and activities may include: 

  • Hands-on art activities for skill assessment and development 

  • Understanding freelance work versus work as an employee  

  • Introduction to the small business aspects of being an artist 

  • Researching post-secondary education opportunities 

  • Learning about the day-in-the-life of a specific type of artist 

  • Participating in informational interviews with an artist

For those with a developed art practice, MSS provides support with writing artist statements, creating a portfolio, creating websites and online stores, and social media marketing.

Waiver Supports

We accept waiver clients for art employment services, which include employment exploration services (EES), employment development services (EDS – Plan), and employment support services (ESS).

SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT

We support artists who would like to start their own small art business. Services begin with exploration to understand the process and commitment of owning a small business. VRS provides support for viable small business start-ups.

For more information, please contact Hannah Foster at hfoster@mssmn.org or 641-451-0141.