The Artist Accelerator: A Career Intensive

 Nevada County Arts Council, in partnership with Rhizomatic Arts presents: The Business of Art—The Artist Accelerator: A Career Intensive

If you’re an artist, you already have a business. The Artist Accelerator helps you build the skills, structures, and confidence to run it with purpose and sustainability.

This 8-week hybrid program blends practical tools with peer connection so you can strengthen the business side of your creative practice without losing sight of your artistic core.

 

Who it’s for


This program is ideal for emerging or established artists and cultural producers who are ready to level up, make a better living, pay off debt, or pursue new income streams. No matter where you are in your career, the Accelerator meets you there — whether you’re just beginning to see your art as a business or are ready to refine and grow your practice.

 

What you’ll gain

 

  • Clarity on your values, audiences, and business models.

  • Practical tools for marketing, finance, and legal protections.

  • Confidence in pricing your work and setting financial goals.

  • Insight into income streams that can sustain your practice.

  • A graduation presentation that reflects your unique voice and style.

  • A strong network of peer artists and accountability partners who will support you long after the program ends.

 

How it works

 

  • Kickoff and Graduation (in-person): Artist presentations at the start; art business pitches + celebration at the end.

  • Weekly live workshops (via Zoom): Each session is led by seasoned professionals and industry experts—artists, consultants, and advisors who understand both creativity and commerce.

  • Digital workbook and toolkit: Readings, worksheets, and resources to turn learning into action.

  • Optional accountability huddles: Weekly peer-led check-ins.

  • Cluster Counseling (optional Week 9, budget permitting): Small-group breakout coaching with guest presenters, offering targeted feedback.

 

Weekly Topics

 

  1. [In-person] Artist presentations + “What roots you?” / Core Values

  2. “What do you offer to your people?” / Customers + Business Models

  3. “Marketing = connecting your people with what you do.”

  4. “Know your rights + protect your work.” / Legal Protections

  5. “What do you need to earn to thrive?” / Financial Goals, Debt and Taxes

  6. “Where is the $ coming from?” / Income + Pricing

  7. “Moving forward with accountability.” / Planning

  8. [In-person] Art business pitches + graduation celebration

 

Tuition: $750. Scholarships and installment plans available. We provide guidance to help participants apply for Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) Quick Grants (up to $600) to cover tuition.