Press Release: A Big Year for The Business of Art Symposium
Nevada County Arts Council
100 N. Pine St. Suite C
Nevada City CA, 95959
Ph: (530) 264 - 7031
Web: nevadacountyarts.org
Email: director@nevadacountyarts.org
PRESS RELEASE
A Big Year for The Business of Art Symposium
Know and Go:
What: The Business of Art | A Professional Development Symposium for Artists & Cultural Workers
When: Saturday, September 27, 9:00am - 4:00pm (doors open at 8:30am)
Where: Sierra College Nevada County Campus, 250 Sierra College Drive, Grass Valley, CA
Who: Nevada County Arts Council
Admission: $40 / $30 (members) / Scholarships available / Free for students
Information: 530-718-0727 | nevadacountyarts.org/the-business-of-art-symposium
Grass Valley—August 14, 2025: Artists and creative entrepreneurs at all stages of their career are invited to The Business of Art, on Saturday, September 27 at Sierra College in Grass Valley. The day-long symposium brings industry leaders in the arts to deliver unparalleled career development advice, strategy and mentorship.
Now in its fourth year, The Business of Art blends creative entrepreneurship, policy, and practice. “With each year, we deepen our commitment to meaningful dialogue, skill-sharing, and rural-urban exchange. The 2025 symposium will be our boldest yet—a visionary keynote, practical workshops, and vibrant community building.” Says Eliza Tudor, Executive Director at Nevada County Arts Council.
This year’s keynote is Danielle Brazell, Executive Director at California Arts Council. Since her appointment in 2023 Brazell has led California’s state agency for the arts with vision and a deep commitment to positioning the arts as vital civic infrastructure—driving equity, belonging, health, and economic opportunity state‑wide.
At this multi-partner event attendees will leave the day feeling connected, informed and inspired. Kellie Cutler, Truckee Cultural District Program Manager, says: “In these challenging and uncertain times for the arts, The Business of Art is more than a symposium—it’s a rallying point for our creative community. We are honored to welcome Danielle Brazell, bringing statewide vision and leadership to our conversations. As a California Cultural District, we are committed to delivering an unparalleled career development experience, connecting our artists with dynamic thought leaders, innovators, and influencers from across California and the nation.”
Says Diana Arbex, Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District Program Manager: “Julie Baker, CEO of Californians for the Arts and California Arts Advocates is a highlight of our day, as she sets the scene of the arts regionally and nationally, sharing an overview of funding for the arts amidst historic national changes, and advice on which conversations artists should be part of now.”
Along with repeat favorites like grant writing guidance, local resources for artists, and a new version of “Relax with Tax"—many less familiar presenters at the top of their game will be joining The Business of Art. San Francisco based artist and design consultant Kevin Byrd, recipient of the International Design Excellence Award for design strategy, will lead “How to Price Your Work”. Byrd designed and curated Dolby’s head office in San Francisco, and founded Dolby Gallery, a platform engaging creators working at the intersection of technology and art.
Nevada County Arts Council will also present Culture Forward, the design and implementation of Nevada County’s first ever seven-year Arts and Culture Action Plan, while Allison Wyper of Rhizomatic Arts will lead “Income Strategies for Artists”; while renowned Bay Area artist, Yvonne Fang, will deliver a crash course on the intersection of AI and Technology in the creative industries.
Nevada County Arts Council encourages emerging, mid and late-career professionals to attend The Business of Art, whether for serious networking and peer-to-peer time, or because they are approaching an important transition or crossroads in their working life. The Council believes everyone will take away new, fresh inspiration and knowledge, and that everyone has something to give.
Students from Sierra College and elsewhere will be offered free entry when they show their ID, and scholarship opportunities are available. No-one will be turned away for lack of funds.
The California Arts Council has selected 14 districts to serve as California's inaugural state-designated Cultural Districts. Nevada County is home to two of them, Grass Valley-Nevada City and Truckee. Nevada County Arts Council's role, as State-Local Partner with California Arts Council—and ranked by the state among California's top county arts agencies—is to foster cultural development on the local level and to encourage partnerships through which leadership, career development, information exchange, and technical assistance can be offered to our creative community.
Nevada County Arts Council recommends registering soon to avoid disappointment. For more information about The Business of Art, and to register, visit nevadacountyarts.org.
END.
About the Nevada County Arts Council: The California Arts Council selected 14 districts to serve as California's inaugural state-designated Cultural Districts, and Nevada County is home to two of them. The Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District, and the Truckee Cultural District are overseen by Nevada County Arts Council in its role as a State-Local Partner with the California Arts Council. Ranked by the state among California's top county arts agencies, NCAC fosters cultural development on the local level and encourages partnerships through which leadership, career development, information exchange, and technical assistance can be offered to our creative community.
###