"Thriving" Is the New "Starving

Artists-they are a unique breed of people to many, and are known for being talented and zealous for their art form. Society looks down upon those who seek to make their art form their primary career, and the stereotype of a "starving artist" has been coined for many years. In this day in age, studying art and pursing it as a career is still scrutinized, however, a new way of living is being introduced to many, whether an artist or not. Entrepreneurship is changing the face of the arts, and is being introduced more in our culture and education systems to teach artists how to thrive in their art form.

Entrepreneurship teaches artists to create opportunities for themselves, and to not only develop their artistry but to simultaneously contribute to the economy. Having been in the dance industry for many years I have seen numerous dancers believe the lie that one can only be a professional performer with a company, and completely dismiss the idea of pursing dance as a career in a different way such as a choreographer, educator, dance therapist, etc. A similar mindset has infiltrated other art forms, such as in the world of music. This mentality is slowly being eradicated as artists are finding their talents, and in how to use them in an entrepreneurial way. Author Susan Vermunt of 5 Tips for Making Money as An Artist shares way in which an artist can make money. Below are the summarized points from the article:

1. Keep making art, even through the times of self doubt, until it becomes full time
2. Learn what you can from your 9 a.m.-5 p.m. job until you don't need it any longer
3. Create a system that works for you, and put it to practice
4. Make your art on the side, and it will eventually grow
5. Be creative in how you gain profit

Fortunately, artists are receiving university degrees for their prospective art form and are being introduced to the concept of entrepreneurship in this manner, such as at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. The university movement on this campus emphasizes the importance of the arts in the business world, and teaches students of all majors who are still artistic how to be entrepreneurial. There is a particular arts entrepreneurship course offered at this institution which is made to be hands on, and has its undergraduate students create a business plan for an arts related venture (Ferreri, 2014). Many other universities are embracing entrepreneurship into their programs, such as at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Thanks to being in UNCG's entrepreneurship program during my undergraduate career, it has led me to think of vast possibilities for my future in dance, one of them being opening my own dance institution for the better of society. Artists no longer have to feel burdened for being passionate about their art in a money driven world, and can be better equipped to make it their primary career like never before.
Works Cited

Ferreri, E. (2014, March 13). Mixing the arts with entrepreneurship: a new initiative teaches students to marry the arts with innovation and entrepreneurship. Retrieved from http://today.duke.edu/2014/03/artsinnovation.

Vermunt, S. (2014, February 2). 5 tips for making money as an artist entrepreneur. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/85broads/2014/02/12/5-tips-for-making-money-as-an-artist-entrepreneur/.

Maria-Elena Surprenant is a professional dance artist and is currently an administrative assistant in a music department. Maria-Elena is also currently enrolled in the Masters of Entrepreneurship Degree Program at Western Carolina University. Webmasters and other article publishers are hereby granted article reproduction permission as long as this article in its entirety, author's information, and any links remain intact. Copyright 2014 by Maria-Elena Henry Surprenant.

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