Promotional poster for the Business of Art Symposium on Sept. 27. Photo courtesy of Nevada County Arts Council. 

NEVADA CITY, CALIFORNIA (MPG) - Nevada County Arts Council has announced the program lineup for its Business of Art Symposium to be held on Saturday, Sept, 27.  With special sessions from some of California’s top leaders, the day kicks off with a keynote from California Arts Council’s Executive Director, Danielle Brazell, and continues with a slate of accomplished professionals giving real-world guidance on how to achieve sustainable careers in the arts in a time of unprecedented challenges.

Now in its fourth year, The Business of Art blends creative entrepreneurship, policy, and practical skills to help current and aspiring professionals navigate tax breaks; understand how to price one’s work; fully consider the role of AI in art spaces; and how to stand out in today’s noisy social media environment. These are just a few of the themes to be explored on the day.

“With each year, we deepen our commitment to meaningful dialogue, skill-sharing, and the development of real career pathways in the arts. 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 from Danielle Brazell, Executive Director at California Arts Council, will directly address the current unpredictability across the arts with a hopeful message of action. The theme of hope meeting action continues throughout the programming with a double session on grant writing — often the lifeblood of artists and small arts organizations — from the Executive Director of the Nevada County Arts Council, Eliza Tudor, and Jenny Darlington-Person, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Placer County.

Also on the day, Nevada County Arts Council will be announcing for the first time a new bootcamp for artists, beginning in the new year. Along with the practical rubber-meets-the-road workshops on grant writing, local resources for artists, and an updated version of “Relax with Tax for Artists and Creatives", there are sessions that clarify some of the more abstract issues that creatives face. Award-winning San Francisco based artist and design consultant Kevin Byrd will lead “How to Price Your Work”, where he equips the audience with tools and strategies for valuing their work while building a sustainable pricing structure.

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. Kellie Cutler, Truckee Cultural District Program Manager, says, “In these uncertain times for the arts, The Business of Art is more than a symposium—it’s a rallying point for our creative community.”

The Business of Art is a partnership with Sierra College. Students of all ages can register free of charge, and there are scholarship opportunities for those who have difficulty absorbing the full price of a ticket. No-one will be turned away for lack of funds. Nevada County Arts Council recommends registering soon to secure your spot. For more information about The Business of Art, and to register, visit nevadacountyarts.org.