Kenan Institute for the Arts launches Arts Enterprise Lab 2.0

Seventeen dedicated local creative entrepreneurs were recently selected to participate in the Spring 2016 Arts Enterprise Lab 2.0, a six-week workshop developed in partnership between the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and the Center for Creative Economy.

The Arts Enterprise Lab, which is part of the Institute’s Artist Leadership initiative to develop leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators in the arts, had its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, April 19, at the new Creative Community Lab in the historic Railroad Building in Winston-Salem. The diverse group, which includes local artists, UNCSA faculty and alumni, will gather weekly through the end of May to develop and improve entrepreneurial approaches for artists and creative industries.

Members of the Arts Enterprise Lab 2.0 are:

Devora Black, Rebecca Byer, Owens Daniels, Sonjy Daniels, Chad Downard, Angel Fant, Eddie Garcia, Michael Kelley, Ramona King, John Moore, Bob Moyer, Tommy Priest, Alan Shelton, Helen Simoneau, David Smith, Franklin Terry, and Shana Whitehead.

Participants in the Lab will have opportunities to share experiences, research trends, discuss strategies, and collaborate on specific projects. In addition, they will have opportunities to be mentored by leading arts entrepreneurs, to draw on assets of the group to support each other, and to learn how to improve entrepreneurial approaches in strengthening individuals and creative community. Participants will also have the opportunity to apply for up to $1,000 in seed money to advance their projects. 

“We are excited to partner with the Center for Creative Economy in the Arts Enterprise Lab 2.0,” Corey Madden, Executive Director of the Kenan Institute for the Arts, said. “Last year in the pilot phase for the Lab, the Institute identified a critical need and overwhelming gap in services and opportunities for creative industries. This year, we continue the goal of building creative community in serving and strengthening artist entrepreneurs.” 

ABOUT THE THOMAS S. KENAN INSTITUTE FOR THE ARTS
The Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts is a creative catalyst that encourages and supports the exploration and development of new knowledge to transform the way artists, organizations, and communities approach their creative challenges.

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR CREATIVE ECONOMY
The Center for Creative Economy serves as a catalyst for innovation by driving product and business development; stimulating connections between innovators and businesses, and promoting economic development and job growth through regional programs, infrastructure, and professional development.

April 29, 2016