PLAYBOOK: Business Basics for Artists, Performers and Creatives

Whether it's for one workshop or all, join us for a free artist development series focused on the business of being a creative. Resources from each workshop will be available shortly after the series date at our website.

Space is limited, so registration is required.

Each workshop is presented in-person without recording to allow for open conversation.

Series presented by Indy Arts Council

THE SESSIONS

Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 7-9pm

Aligned, Not Exhausted: Clarify Your Creative Value and Choose Work That Fits

Stop grinding for gigs that don’t get you where you want to go. This workshop aligns your work into a sustainable career that feels right in your soul.

Following the workshop, unpack with Mariah Ivey. Mariah Ivey, muraled as a Keeper of Culture in downtown Indianapolis, is a nationally renowned writer, poet, scholar and curator. Ivey’s work presently focuses on the sanctity of language, literature, and storytelling as critical pathways toward collective renewal, communal care, and justice.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 7-9pm

Pricing With Heart and Backbone: Confidently Determine and Declare Your Fees

Does your pay match your value, your cost, or your competition? In this workshop, we’ll get honest about what your work is worth and get ready for genuine, productive money conversations with your customers.
After the workshop, keep chewing on this topic with musician Joshua A. Thompson. Joshua Thompson is a pianist, music sociologist, and lecturer recognized nationally for his expertise on classical composers of African descent. His resume is packed with grants, fellowships, awards, and residencies. He is the creator of award winning podcast Melanated Moments in Music and is the Creative Partner in Residence with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.

Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 7-9pm

Risk and Your Art Practice: Insurance Basics for Artists

Scaling up your work, performance events, or working in public places often comes with increased risk. Some projects will require that you have insurance coverage. Insurance can feel overwhelming, but don’t let that keep you from protecting yourself and your creative work.

This workshop is facilitated by Julia Muney-Moore, Indy Arts Council Director of Public Art. Julia has led countless projects, many involving complex partnerships and substantial potential risks. She’s seen it all!

Tuesday, July 7, 7-9pm

Contracts Without Confusion: Protect Your Work & Understand What You’re Signing

Contracts shouldn’t feel overwhelming or one-sided. This workshop helps creative professionals confidently navigate contract terms and protect the value of their work.

This workshop is facilitated by Kayla Hill, Esq. Kayla Hill, Esq. is the Founder of KayRenee Law®, a legal education platform dedicated to making legal knowledge accessible, practical, and empowering for entrepreneurs and creatives. Through workshops, resources, and training, Kayla breaks down complex legal concepts—including contracts, intellectual property, compliance, and risk management—into clear, actionable guidance that founders can apply to build, protect, and scale their work with confidence.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 7-9pm

Receipts, Records & Revenue: Keeping Your Creative Career in Order

Learn the essentials of taxes and recordkeeping with practical advice to stay organized. This session will help you understand deductions, track expenses, and build systems that support both your creativity and your business.

Tuesday, July 21, 7-9pm

Rejection to Recognition: Building Artist Proposals for Galleries, Grants, and More

This session equips artists with tools to confidently pursue galleries, grants, and other career opportunities. Craft clear, compelling proposals, artist statements, and application materials that stand out to jurors and selection panels. We’ll break down what makes submissions successful—as well as common mistakes that lead to rejection. Whether you’re new to applying or looking to strengthen your approach, this session offers practical strategies to help you present your work with clarity, professionalism, and impact.

Korie Griggs, artist and Indy Arts Council Program Manager, works as an artist, author, cultural strategist and community builder. Korie is a published author, Creative Renewal Arts Fellow and Power Plant Grant recipient. Rooted in both artistry and arts administration, her work bridges vision and execution; supporting programs that empower artists, strengthen community and celebrate the transformative power of the arts.

Kate Oberreich, Indy Arts Council Artist Engagement Manager, works as an artist, curator, project manager, and arts administrator, including managing Gallery 924 at the Indy Arts Council. Kate holds a BFA in painting from Ball State University. She was awarded a Stutz Studio Residency, the inaugural Beckmann Emerging Artist Fellowship from the Indy Arts Council, has been featured in multiple solo and group exhibitions, and participated in international residencies. Her artwork was part of the feature film The Fault In Our Stars.

As an arts administrator, Kate has held positions at multiple central Indiana arts non-profits and galleries. Today, she works with local artists daily, managing the Indy Arts Council's Artist Services programming.

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Host or Publisher Indy Arts Council