Empowering Creative Careers: Artist INC Wichita’s Eight-Week Program for Artists
Thanks to Harvester Arts, tonight I’m starting Artist INC. Wichita, an eight-week program designed to help artists build sustainable careers. It’s a professional development series that brings together artists from all disciplines—visual, performing, literary, and beyond—to refine the business side of their practice.
What is Artist INC?
Artist INC is built by artists, for artists, providing real-world tools to strengthen creative careers. The program covers:
• Communicating effectively about your work
• Budgeting and financial planning
• Marketing and branding
• Expanding your professional network
• Setting sustainable long-term goals
It’s a peer-driven program, meaning the learning happens through discussion, collaboration, and shared experiences. It’s not just about business strategies—it’s about figuring out how to make a living without losing what makes your work meaningful.
Why Am I Doing This?
Over the past few years, I’ve been expanding my creative practice—showing in galleries, designing for bands, and exploring the intersection of art and commerce. But like most independent artists, I often feel like I’m figuring it out as I go. Artist INC offers structure, perspective, and connection, giving me a chance to refine what’s working and learn from other local artists navigating similar challenges.
Who’s Behind Artist INC?
Artist INC is a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA), a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening arts communities across the Midwest and beyond. M-AAA supports artists through grants, education, and programs like this one, helping creatives build sustainable, impactful careers. More about M-AAA: https://artistinc.art/about/mid-america-arts-alliance/
What’s Next?
Over the next eight weeks, I’ll be sharing insights from the program—what resonates, what challenges me, and how it’s shaping my approach to creative work. If you’re an artist trying to balance creativity with sustainability, Artist INC is worth checking out: https://artistinc.art/about/
If you’ve been through the program or are currently part of it, let’s connect. Excited to see where this goes.
2025 Artists participating in Artist Inc. Wichita are Engy Al Garf, Gemma Blackburn, Ian Blume, Clarence Carvel, Paris Jane, Robin Danks, Carlotta Evans, Alex Freund, Jo Herman, Julian Kincaid, Kate King, Olivia Laine, Alec Lang, Madi Laughlin, Raven Lenore, Skyler Ray Lewis, Chase Liby, Ron Palmer, Maryah Perez, Meredith Radke-Gannon, Fruitful Rhema, Damar Sarter, Jessica Strong, Nina Winter, and Evan Yazzie.