Making Sense of Money as an Artist: A Practical Workshop

Led by Silvia Heitling, the session will explore what it means to work as a self-employed artist or independent contractor.
About this Event

Are you an artist or cultural worker looking to feel more confident managing the financial side of your practice? This practical workshop will introduce essential tools and concepts to help make money management clearer, more approachable, and easier to incorporate into your everyday work.

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 11:00 am–1:00 pm
Location: Langara College – T Gallery (T Building, Campus West Side), 100 W 49th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 3B3
Free Event

Led by Silvia Heitling, the session will explore what it means to work as a self-employed artist or independent contractor, including how to separate personal and professional finances and manage an income that may change from month to month.

The workshop will also cover key tax considerations for artists, including different types of artistic income, common deductible business expenses, GST/HST registration, tax instalments, and when professional accounting support may help. Participants will receive practical guidance on recordkeeping, organizing receipts, and using simple systems to track income and expenses throughout the year.

Participants will leave with useful information and strategies they can begin applying immediately to make the financial side of their artistic practice feel more understandable and manageable.

About the Facilitator

Silvia Heitling is an economist, accounting professional, and entrepreneur with extensive experience in accounting, taxation, payroll, and small business support in Canada.

An immigrant to Canada since 2008, Silvia began her career focusing on personal tax preparation, particularly supporting immigrants as they navigated the Canadian tax system. Through this work, she built close relationships with many self-employed professionals and small business owners, gaining a first-hand understanding of the challenges of starting and growing a business in Canada.

In 2023, she founded SLH Accounting Services Ltd., where she supports individuals, entrepreneurs, and growing businesses by combining technical accounting expertise with practical business insight.

Since 2025, Silvia has also served as Treasurer of the Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre (VLACC), contributing her financial expertise to an organization that connects and supports Vancouver's Latin American community.

Passionate about entrepreneurship, Silvia has also delivered talks and presentations on the subject. Her work goes beyond numbers; she is committed to helping entrepreneurs understand their finances, make informed decisions, and build sustainable businesses in Canada.

Please note that we will photograph and film this event for internal documentation and promotional purposes. If you do not wish to appear in any photos or recordings, please let us know when you arrive.

In partnership with Langara College