Art Boost 2025
Join us for a dynamic two-day conference June 27-28th 2025 at SMU’s Owens Art Center that transforms artistic passion into sustainable, community-driven success. This year’s theme, Create, Transform, Thrive, explores how artists can build sustainable careers while driving positive community change. The transformative, low-cost conference equips artists with essential business skills while exploring art’s power to drive social change.
Through expert-led sessions and interactive workshops, participants will master financial planning, branding strategies, and entrepreneurial skills crucial for creative success. Community leaders share practical insights on leveraging art for social innovation, with hands-on activities providing immediate tools for implementation.
Learn practical entrepreneurship skills from industry experts on leveraging art for community change and sustainable career building
Master financial planning and investment strategies to sustain your creative practice while maximizing social impact
Develop effective personal branding and self-promotion techniques to amplify both your art and its message
Connect with fellow artists and community leaders dedicated to driving positive change through creative expression
Gain insights into successful art business operations and funding opportunities
Date: Friday, June 27, 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturday, June 28, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Owen Arts Center at SMU
Cost: $40 for 2 days, single day tickets also available
If the cost is prohibitive, scholarships are available. Do not use the form in ticketing, use this form is requesting a scholarship.
Workshop Sessions
FRIDAY
- Smart Social Media for Artists: From Setup to Simplicity: ALL
- Legal Protections 101: ALL
- Retail & Corporate Collaborations for Your Art: ALL/ VISUAL ART
- Women in Art: ALL
- Build Your Social Media Plan in 60 Minutes: ALL
- Finances and Tax Preparation for Creative Entrepreneurs: ALL
- The Business of Impact: ALL
SATURDAY
- Is Your Marketing Working? Creating Metrics to Measure Success: ALL
- How to Develop a Financial Plan as An Artist: ALL
- Grant Opps, and Public Works: ALL/VISUAL ARTS
- How Arts Entrepreneurship Can Leverage AI: ALL
- Pricing, Promoting, & Selling Your Work: VISUAL ARTS
- Pricing & Selling Your Work: MUSIC
- Negotiating & Selling Your Work: PER ARTS
- Pricing & Selling Your Work: LITERARY
- Panel: Real Artists, Real Impact – How These Creatives Built Social Impact Models: ALL
- Exploring Online Marketplaces: MUSIC
- Create It Once, Sell It Forever: ALL
- Exploring Perf Opps: DANCE/THEATRE
- How Does Art Spark Impact?: ALL
- Generating Passive Income with Online Courses: ALL
- Residencies 101: ALL
- Life Optimization for Art & Business: ALL