GCAC Focuses on Individual Artists with New Professional Development, Conversion Series

On January 31, the Greater Columbus Arts Council will debut a new monthly series aimed toward helping individual artists connect with each other and further themselves and their work.

The series, called OPPArt (Opportunities for Artists), will include professional development workshops, roundtable discussions, social events and more. Most events will be free, and all events will be open to artists of any genre or level.

“As part of our strategic plan, GCAC set a goal to reach out to individual artists, who are an important part of our creative economy,” said Alicia Oddi, Grants & Services Director. “We conducted several listening sessions with artists in the community, to gauge the kind of help they need to succeed, and those sessions directly shaped this series.”

Events are free unless otherwise noted. For more information on events, or to pre-register for any event, call or e-mail Ruby Classen at 614-221-8406 or rclassen@gcac.org.

Feature events from January through April are:

We’re Still Listening (Roundtable Discussion) January 31, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. GCAC Large Conference Room, 100 East Broad Street, Ste. 2250 Join GCAC at our launch event for an opportunity to hear the results of a GCAC survey of local artists and to help us shape the calendar of activities.

Coffee with GCAC (Social/Networking Event)
February 28, 7:30–8:30 a.m.
Cup O’ Joe German Village, 627 S. 3rd St.
Network with other artists; share exhibition postcards or chat up your upcoming events at this informal gathering. Ask questions, introduce yourself, share your ideas or debate global issues – YOU set the agenda at this event. First cup is complimentary. Gift bags to the first 20 to walk through the door, and door prizes will also be awarded at this event.

Grant Seeking Basic for Individuals (Workshop)
March 11; 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Columbus Metropolitan Library, 96 S. Grant Ave.
Looking for funding to help you complete a project, mount an exhibition, put on a performance, conduct research or anything else arts-related? This workshop will show you how to identify funders in the arts, explore the option of fiscal sponsorship and create a step-by-step plan to find funding for your needs as an individual grant-seeker. Presented by Foundation Center – Cleveland.

Resumes, Portfolios and Job Hunting... Oh My! Positioning Yourself with Creative Perspective and Commercial Value (Workshop)
April 19, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
GCAC Large Conference Room, 100 East Broad Street, Ste. 2250
I'm an artist with a variety of work experiences. What are employers in the business sector looking for? What needs to be on my resume? Do I need a portfolio? You have questions, Portfolio Creative has answers! Whether you're a professional artist looking for part-time income, seeking a way to translate your personal work into commercial usage, or a recent graduate just starting your career, join us for ideas and strategies geared for creative people. Bring your current resume and marketing materials, including business cards, for one-on-one consultations.