Artist Resource Guides
Welcome to Cultivate's Artist Resource Guides—a curated collection of insightful art business articles designed to empower artists at all levels.
As an artist-run space, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that artists face. That's why these guides are like your personal professional practice seminar, offering practical strategies and guidance for navigating the art business landscape. From pricing strategies to contract essentials, art market success, and crafting compelling artist statements, our guides cover it all. We're artists ourselves, and these resources are here for artists, by artists—ensuring credibility and relevance tailored to your needs. While they're tailored for emerging to midcareer artists, they're open for anyone seeking to thrive in the art world. These guides are your go-to toolkit for refining your approach and making the most of your artistic journey.
Best of all, they're free and accessible to all, because we believe in nurturing your art business aspirations.
Featured Articles:
Holiday Markets and Vending Season is Coming- Get Ready!
See our Full Artist Market / Vending Series
Learn More Series
The "Learn More" series is a set of articles that highlights the importance of art, explores artistic communities, and introduces various art forms to educate and engage the public.
Art Business Basics
The "Art Basics" series serves as a foundational guide, providing art enthusiasts, transitioning hobbyist artists, and emerging artists with essential insights into the fundamentals of art business. Tailored for those embarking on a professional journey, these articles offer key knowledge and strategies to navigate the intersection of creativity and commerce.
Additional West Michigan Art Business Resources
Small business support and development for artists.
Becoming an LLC: Grand Rapids County Clerk Office:
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Grand Rapids Public Library: Small Business Resources: Listing of local resources to support small business development
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GROW: a non-profit business center, serving men and women, that provides business training, counseling & lending programs throughout West Michigan & Muskegon
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Michigan Capital Network: ANGEL NETWORK: The Michigan Capital Network operates a network of angel groups in Michigan. Each group is locally managed and is passionate about building the local business ecosystem. The MCN network as a whole helps syndicate deals throughout the state
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Michigan Economic Development Corporation: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners, markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state.
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Michigan Small Business Development Center: a statewide network funded in part through cooperative agreements with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Regional Hosts. The statewide host of the network is Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University. The Michigan SBDC is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs.
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The Right Place is Greater Grand Rapids' leading economic development organization, offering comprehensive business assistance services to growing companies.
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SCORE: Grand Rapids SCORE, and our Holland SCORE Branch, are committed to your success. Whether you currently own a small business or dream of launching a new business, our teams of experienced volunteer mentors are here to help.
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Start Garden: Empowering West Michigan's startup ecosystem through financial, intellectual & social capital, while providing a neighborhood for startups to grow.
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Handshake: Connecting with local colleges to post internship opportunities and jobs.
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Professional Practice Lessons
The "Professional Practice" series mirrors the comprehensive learning experience of a college-level professional practice seminar, tailored for emerging to midcareer artists. This series is akin to a semester-long curriculum, offering a rich resource of free articles that teach the relevant skills of building a successful art career. From navigating contracts and pricing strategies to marketing tactics and website development, these articles provide an immersive education in the business side of the art world, empowering artists to thrive in their professional endeavors.
