Frequently Asked Questions

What is arts entrepreneurship?

Arts entrepreneurship is the result of a creative individual assembling the pieces necessary to bring about a new enterprise in the arts or cultural realm, typically one that builds the artist’s own livelihood or one that also employs others. Often, the venture will benefit not only the entrepreneur but also others in the community, either by employment, by helping feed the economy or by social benefit.

Why arts entrepreneurship?

Arts entrepreneurship is the missing puzzle piece in the current standard of arts education today. With little exception, educational institutions have trained artists in technique but taught them nothing in the way of real business skills, specifically entrepreneurial skills. This approach tends to feed the unfortunate “starving artist” stereotype. When artistic/creative minds are taught entrepreneurial skills, remarkable things can happen: Artists not only create art, but create opportunities and enterprises for themselves and others. Those who pursue careers as solo artists understand how to navigate the market and how to market themselves, and those who go on to create legal entities have skills in how to monetize and grow their entity.

What is experiential learning?

Much of the training in the Arts Entrepreneurship program is based in experiential learning using a “learn by doing” approach. A wide variety of games are played in classes to familiarize students with entrepreneurial skills and processes.

How do I declare a minor in arts entrepreneurship?

To declare a minor in either Arts Management or Arts Entrepreneurship, go to Room 2121 in the Owen Arts Center. AMAE Assistant Director Abigail Smith can assist you with filling out the appropriate form.

How can studying arts entrepreneurship help me?

To think entrepreneurially is to perceive opportunities and to work with limited resources. Because entrepreneurial artists know how to adapt in a constantly changing market, they persevere and endure. They understand the principles behind market demand, and they serve their audience, whether local or global.

What do arts entrepreneurs do?

Arts entrepreneurs create. Whether creating art or a business entity, arts entrepreneurs perceive and create opportunity. Simultaneously, they create jobs, culture, art, products, and economic stimulation. Arts entrepreneurs often create with service in mind, such as when creating a nonprofit business (501c3) or social entrepreneurship endeavor. Meadows students in arts entrepreneurship are taught to engage the world heroically, to make an impact and to serve both their audiences and customers and work with them in mind. Doing so, our arts entrepreneurs serve something larger than themselves and, in the process, become necessary.

Where is the Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship administrative office?

The office is in Room 2121 on the second floor of Meadows School of the Arts’ Owen Arts Center, around the corner from O’Donnell Hall.

How many hours do I need to complete to have a minor?

Both the Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship minors are 18 hours.

What is the difference between the Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship minors?

• If you are interested in serving as a leader in an existing organization, consider Arts Management as a minor.
• If you are interested in creating a new organization, consider Arts Entrepreneurship.

There are many reasons to consider each minor. In fact, arts entrepreneurs need management skills and entrepreneurial skills to be effective arts managers. Each course of study complements the other, which is why the two paths share many similarities in course requirements.

Can I apply to both Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship minors simultaneously?

It is not possible to pursue the two minors together at this time.

When should I declare the Minor in Arts Management or the Minor in Arts Entrepreneurship?

Although there is no formal deadline, Meadows degree counselors say you’ll be in a better position if you select your minor shortly after you declare your major.  That way, you and your adviser(s) can track your minor on your Degree Progress Report and you will receive updates from the Division of AMAE about information and opportunities important to your academic and career path.

What if I don’t complete my minor in Arts Entrepreneurship or Arts Management?

It depends on what your major is. Some majors require completion of a minor or second major.  However, if your major doesn’t have such requirements, there is no risk in not finishing an Arts Entrepreneurship or Arts Management minor. If you don’t complete the minor requirements, it simply will not appear on your transcript as a minor. In other words, there will be no record of the pursuit, outside of classes attended. As always, if you need clarification about which requirements apply in your situation, consult your degree counselor.

What classes are approved by the new University Curriculum?

Developing an Arts Venture Plan is currently approved as a capstone course. Other classes are currently being reviewed by the University for consideration. As we know more, we will post information on the AMAE Arts Entrepreneurship blog.