Sustaining in a Time of Change

free workshop from Artists U/Baltimore

This workshop is an opportunity to build clarity around your artistic practice and the resources that sustain it, in conversation with other working artists.

We will talk about:

▪ The role of artists, our impact and value
▪ Long-term planning, the most powerful tool for sustaining as an artist
▪ Time design: doing fewer things, better
▪ Financial thinking for artists
▪ Generating opportunities for your work
▪ Your mission: What audiences, communities, and impacts matter most in your work?

The details:

We will take breaths and breaks. There will be writing prompts and lots of time for discussion.

It is specific and practical. We will share principles, tools, and prompts to create clarity.

This work is grounded in your practice and intentions. We don't know what you should do (obviously). Nothing here is prescriptive. We aren’t here to “fix” artists. That's our whole point: Artists aren't broken, artists are geniuses. Let's be geniuses together.

We will use (and give you)  Making Your Life as an Artist and the Making Workbook.

There are a few artist testimonials below. There are more on this page.

Who is this for? Baltimore artists of any genre or discipline.
How much does it cost? It’s free, thanks to the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation, but enrollment is limited.
Do I have to attend the whole time? Yes. The conversation builds over two days; your presence and voice are crucial.
Will there be food? Of course. Lunch on Saturday, and snacks and bevs throughout.

Sustaining in a Time of Change
Friday, June 20, 7:00 pm -8:30 pm
Saturday, June 21, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
The Stu Baltimore | 218 W Saratoga St. 2nd floor #1

Testimonials from past AU/Bmore participants
(more testimonials here)

“Our local art sphere is changing with these workshops. People are talking about things differently and feeling more empowered. The impact is deep.”
—visual artist

“The Artists U workshop I attended was a booster shot of validation, community and empowerment—a reminder that our work as artists matters. I came away with practical strategies for setting goals, managing time, negotiating for fair pay, and re-committing myself to the work that makes me feel alive.”
—actor and theater maker

“It is far too easy for individual artists to feel alone and ineffective. The thoughtfulness, compassion and support that the workshops condense and facilitate is quite amazing. I am deeply impressed with the integrity and earnestness of the content and presentation.”
            —visual artist

We spent a year looking at how Baltimore artists survive + thrive

Here’s What We Learned

We surveyed 400 Baltimore artists about their work and lives

We held a focus group with 14 artists to gather in-depth stories

We convened a Roundtable of artists and organizations who help artists thrive

We partnered with Dr. Brea Heidelberg, arts researcher and professor at Drexel University, to analyze the data

We learned a lot. And we’re already making changes in response to what artists said. For example: 82% of artists surveyed want to expand their audience outside of Baltimore. That is striking, and good to know. And we continue to work with our Roundtable partners to coordinate and integrate professional development in Baltimore.

Thank you to all the artists who participated. You can read our Findings below.

Want to geek out even more? Here’s a slideshow with data from the survey.

Support for Artists U’s work nationally comes from The Surdna Foundation, The William Penn Foundation, The Tremaine Foundation, The Wyncote Foundation, and Leveraging Investments in Creativity.