Money Moves & Arts: Financial Skills & Career Guides for Youth Artists

Youth artists will learn how to navigate the unique financial challenges of an arts-focused career, from managing irregular income streams to understanding contracts and taxes. The session covers practical budgeting strategies, tax obligations for freelance artists, and the importance of building multiple revenue streams through practice, teaching, licensing, and digital platforms.

Financial Foundations

• Creating and maintaining a budget with irregular income
• Understanding tax responsibilities for self-employed musicians
• Setting up proper bookkeeping systems
• Building emergency funds and planning for retirement

Career Strategy

• Developing diverse income streams (arts practice, teaching, ambassador, etc.)
• Setting realistic short-term and long-term career goals
• Building a professional network and personal brand
• Understanding music industry contracts and negotiations

Business Essentials

• Pricing your services appropriately
• Managing expenses and investments in equipment and education
• Understanding contracts, licensing, and intellectual property
• Exploring grant opportunities and funding sources

Participants will leave with actionable financial plans, career roadmaps, and the confidence to make informed decisions about their futures. The workshop emphasizes practical tools and real-world scenarios, ensuring youth artists can immediately apply what they learn to their developing careers.

Gail Perry Mason is a lifelong Detroiter whose remarkable journey from foster care to national prominence has made her a respected authority in the financial industry. As a bestselling author and passionate financial literacy advocate, Gail has dedicated her life to empowering individuals and communities with the tools they need to achieve financial success, for which she is recognized worldwide. Gail has facilitated workshops and seminars for employees at major organizations, including Chrysler, IBM, MGM, McDonald's, DTE Energy, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and Wells Fargo. Her commitment extends beyond the boardroom to the classroom, where she educates youth through her Money Matters for Youth program, inspiring the next generation to build strong financial foundations. Deeply committed to giving back, Gail founded Money Matters For Youth, a Detroit-based financial literacy program for children, with a mission to teach children of all ages the basics of economics and financial responsibility through a five-day annual camp for youth "investors." Her unwavering dedication to service has earned her accolades from Ford Motor Company, the Michigan Women's Foundation, the AKA National Sorority, Bank of America, and Alternatives for Girls, as well as recognition as one of Michigan's Top 10 Business Women. Gail Perry Mason's journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and the power of financial literacy to transform lives and communities.

Kisma Jordan is a versatile musician and arts professional with extensive experience in performance, education, and administration. As an operatic soprano, she has appeared on major opera and concert stages worldwide, including acclaimed roles with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Detroit Opera, and soloist performances with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Omaha Orchestra. As an educator, Kisma has dedicated over ten years to nurturing the next generation of musicians at Bowling Green State University and the University of Michigan-Flint. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes lifelong enrichment, helping students develop both technical proficiency and artistic authenticity. Beyond the stage and studio, Kisma has contributed significantly to the arts community through administrative leadership. As Director of Arts & Programming at The Cranbrook Project, she spearheads initiatives that increase participation and develop new collaborative programs, fostering community engagement through transformative music experiences. Kisma holds degrees in music from Kentucky State University, Bowling Green State University, and Peabody Conservatory of Music. She is the creator and lead artist of The OperaSOUL Experience, a unique live concert that blends operatic vocals with soul-pop music. Her career demonstrates a commitment to advancing the arts through performance, teaching, and leadership.

Info: Learning the fundamentals of money and what to do with it once you earn it.

Info: Saving your money and investing in the next stage of your practice.

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Host or Publisher Cranbrook Project