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Helping Big Sky Artisans Become More Market-Ready

Increasingly known as the Land of Creativity, Montana is more than a big sky or a rushing mountain stream. Deep in the bones of the state’s cul-ture and history, the arts have existed side by side with all the natural resources for which the state is known. With the results from recent studies that show the arts as one of the fastest growing sectors in the state’s economy, leaders in the arts and education communities are working to position the arts to play a more important, if not leading, role in the state’s efforts to build a stronger economy. One of the state’s most recent successful efforts was the development of a three-semester Crea-tive Arts Enterprise program, located at one of the state’s two-year col-leges. Graduates of this program increased their income in the arts by 152 percent and have launched successful and growing businesses.

In 2007, as part of its five-year strategic plan, the Montana Arts Council embarked on the task of help-ing Montana’s artists becomes more market-ready. This plan calls for a number of initiatives, including a series of statewide workshops linked through college outreach programs and grassroots organizations. The Arts Council also recently announced its Montana Circle of American Masters program, designed not only to honor and encourage folk artists, but also to help define and establish Montana’s brand in a larger arts market.

To learn more, please visit the Montana Arts Council website.