Creative Capital

Testimonials

feedback from Presenting Partners

"These workshops have changed the artists who participated… They have commented that this experience, and the tools that they gained, has been much more valuable than any grant or financial assistance they had previously been awarded.”
–Florida State Division of Cultural Affairs Staff

 “Thank you for the work you do with Creative Capital. The Creative Capital team was brilliant. The transformation in the artists over the weekend was absolutely astounding. Although my expectations were high for this event, it exceeded my expectations in every possible way. We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to continued interaction. We also look forward to nurturing our artists and helping them to continue to share resources in this positive way. Lori and I share the goal of bringing our Native and non-Native artists together to create a strong network and providing them with access to professional development and interaction with economic development partners in our region. Creative Capital has added to our work immensely and we hope to continue this partnership well into the future.”
–Linda Anderson, Executive Director, Rapid City Arts Council, South Dakota

“You have set a new standard of performance that I doubt few in the industry can meet. Thank you so much for including me, Langton and the artists in your big plan."
–Susan Miller, Executive Director, New Langton Arts, San Francisco

“I'm delighted to let you and everyone at Creative Capital know that there have been some wonderful, unexpected outcomes from the partnership between DiverseWorks and Creative Capital since we hosted the Creative Capital workshop for artists last summer. The 2003 artists are taking what they learned in the workshop and inventing proactive ways to forward their goals. This program has also had an influence on DiverseWorks strategic planning. The success of the workshop program was a topic of conversation at the annual board, staff and artist board strategic planning meeting. It's been incredible to see this program evolve and to see not only its impact on the artists but on the culture of the organization as a whole. Thank you again for the opportunity to work with Creative Capital on this project.”
–Sara Kellner, Former Executive Director, DiverseWorks, Houston, Texas

“From all reports it was a great success with the participants. I think the sponsoring organizations got a great deal from it as well—I'm certainly buoyed by the amount of energy it has released in the theater folk who were part of it. We all look forward to more.”
–David Dower, Artistic Director, The Z Space Studio, San Francisco

“Wopila tanka for bringing Creative Capital to South Dakota. The artists loved it! They all had a wonderful time and the spirit of generosity was in the room through the entire weekend. There were tears in the end. Alyson, Heather and their team are to be highly commended. We are thankful to have your organization cross our paths.”
–Lori Pourier, Executive Director, First People's Fund, South Dakota

feedback from Participating Artists

“I expected it to be helpful, but actually it was life-changing and a complete paradigm shift—especially around seeing that being successful and happy as a working artist is totally possible and that there are specific steps and strategies for getting there. Thank you.”

“I am extremely impressed with the amount and quality of valuable info that was presented during the workshop. I would highly recommend this workshop to any artist, one with vast experience and one just getting started. It can be very beneficial to either.”

“It was a total high-octane injection of exactly what I needed. What I appreciated most were the breakout sessions and being able to rotate through the leaders. The fact that most were artists themselves was especially relevant.”

“The Creative Capital model of mentoring and support encourages artists to achieve sustainable careers, and these artists in turn sustain and strengthen the community as a whole. Just days after the workshop, we're seeing the 'Creative Capital effect' happening here: our group of artists is already staying in touch, making plans and excitedly passing our experiences on to our friends and colleagues.”

Strategic Planning

“[The emphasis on strategic planning] really addressed issues not covered in common art circles or presentations.”

“Before the workshop, the concept of strategic planning seemed a lot more abstract and fragmented—easily avoidable. My first impression of the workbook was 'oh no.' Now it's something I cannot imagine being without, because I'm responding to questions relating to personal and financial issues I would not normally deal with day-to-day. It's a step and breath toward a life-affirming direction.”

“The single most important thing the workshop provided me was the challenge to step away, step back from my studio and my artistic ego, and look at what I want to be at the end of my life. It asked me to put into perspective a life scale and then work my way back from there to my studio and my art. Then it gave me the tools to operate from that perspective.”

“The whole idea of strategic planning for my life is somewhat shocking and fabulous. Identifying the situation and trying to take a structured approach to setting, moving toward and accomplishing goals is indeed logical but not intuitive. The acknowledgment of other life goals, the necessity of time off and the permission to have really big goals and ambitions now seems so obviously important, but it was not. I've learned that being ambitious and not just 'realistic' is the beginning of a new perception of myself as an individual and an artist.”

“Considering that I arrived without ever having integrated the words 'strategic' and 'planning' into my work as an artist, I feel like a whole world view opened up in the living room at Secca! It is empowering to imagine that I am not only capable, but—Yes!—entitled to what I most enjoy doing (and to continue to engage in the work without it having to be a sacrifice and struggle). The most remarkable thing is to discover that not only am I not alone in my (former) 'strategy' of scarcity/struggle/punishment/undoing, but skilled and insightful people have thought about this! And are motivated to give us tools and direction for other ways to go about this business.”

Promoting Your Work

“[The Targeted Marketing exercise] helped me to think expansively and without limits."

"This weekend has helped me appreciate the value of clear organization, specificity of materials and highly-visual press and work samples. I don't feel so oppressed by the idea of administrative work. I feel like my spirit is ready to embrace it so that it can better serve me.”

“I feel the distinct possibility that this weekend may be a turning point in my life. That I will approach opportunities differently, that I will create my own opportunities.”

“I not only felt a part of an artistic community, I felt challenged to push my self-imposed limitations regarding my networking skills. I have a better understanding of what I need to do in order to move my career forward.”

“It wasn't like I didn't know I needed work on my presentation portfolio, only that I lacked the motivation and drive to deliver that. Thanks for the guidance and joy.”

Supporting Your Work

“This entire experience was wonderful. I have totally changed my attitude and work practices. I have also gotten much more practical with my finances. The program not only helps you with your art career, but also helps you re-evaluate everything in your life and how efficient you are with your time, money and talent. This has been one of the best experiences of my life. I feel as though I am working on a whole different level now.”

“It was truly amazing and really opened my mind to a whole new way of constructive thinking and organizing so that my art process can meld with my need to deal with the financial side.”

“I liked the approach of using big business ideas, funding sources, etc., for our own small art business—very empowering.”

“Extremely useful in both getting artists funded but also giving them new insights into the survival skills they already had at their disposal. Both character and courage building.”

Internet for Artists

“This workshop was one of the most helpful ones I've been to in a while. In addition to learning more about getting the Internet to work for me, I met a great group of artists I would never have met outside this workshop. You are all truly building a great and ever more expanding community. Thank you for everything! And thank you for the FB group and wiki. Those are worth more than the workshop fee!”

“By presenting what is possible to do, the workshop expanded my awareness of the Internet as a marketing tool…– thank you!”

“This workshop opened a window and brought light, fresh air, levity and interest to my “issues” with my website and using the web. Now, instead of dread and embarrassment, I am motivated and directed to improve my website."

“[I] really enjoyed the energy and enthusiasm of your individual styles, the fresh approach that each presenter brought here.”

“I really appreciated the competence of the instructors & staff. Not only were they knowledgeable, but friendly, action-oriented, and had excellent teaching skills. Thank you so much, this was very helpful and enjoyable. I believe in “when he student is ready, the teacher will appear.” This was perfect for what I need now to help further the reach and positive impact of my work.”

“A great balance of hands-on skills & techniques with goal setting and personal motivation.”

“Everything exceeded my expectations and opened my mind.”

Verbal Communications

“Even though I was very nervous, I felt very safe in the workshop. Kirby does a wonderful job of giving positive feedback and making you feel you can accomplish what your communication goals are.”

 “I feel more confident about presenting my work to organizations and meeting other artists for networking opportunities.”

Spanish Language

“Genial! Aprendi en un dia todo lo que me faltaba.” (Genius! I learned everything I was missing in one day.)

“Este taller me dio mas confianza para mi futuro.” (This workshop gave me more confidence for my future.)

Post-Workshop Achievements

“This workshop has given me the confidence and determination to work on bigger goals and to believe that it is possible to realize them. As a result of my first workshop, I was able to buy my own living/working space in the city, to get a considerable raise in my salary, and to plan and create one of my most demanding projects. In the future I will continue to refer to the workbook to work on time management and finances. I am very happy that I was able to be part of this experience. It will certainly continue to have an impact on my career.”

“I can't begin to thank you enough for bringing such an invaluable program to Kansas City. It was certainly intense and overwhelming at the time—filled with so much information and specific tools for implementing goals. The information was couched in terms that were so insightful regarding the potential and the pitfalls of life as a working artist. It was a wonderful component to have practicing artists as partners to the Creative Capital team. Now, after a week has gone by, I am energized and ready to go forward! I have already begun implementing a specific goal identified at the workshop and I am chomping at the bit to develop my strategic plan! (These are thoughts I NEVER would have thought and words I NEVER would have said before last weekend!)”

“The seminar was unusual in content, intense in pace, insistent without being repetitive; the leaders were enthusiastic and engaged. The best is what it left here, what it possibly could not cover in the time frame: tons of leads to more information, the handbooks to read, the homework to do, the belief in the prospects for change. For some like me—the less gregarious—the challenge will be to keep in touch with other artists.”

“In the three days since the workshop ended, I have been extremely productive and have consequently been invited to participate in an exhibition, started to redesign all my promotional materials with the help of a graphic designer, and finally launched my new website after a year-long struggle. It is miraculous. The experience was so cathartic that my friends are concerned about me. Evidently my new-found enthusiasm and focus mimics that of a religious zealot.”