NEW: Assets for Artists Offers Free Training and $2,000 Grant

NEW: Assets for Artists Offers Free Training and $2,000 Grant

Calling all Rhode Island artists: so you've got the skill and the craft down, but do you have the business sense to be successful? Whether you're an oil painter, a drummer, a comedian, or a t-shirt designer, there are some realistic financial concerns that come along with being an artist. A collaborative program called Assets for Artists is expanding to Rhode Island to help you drop the "struggling" from "struggling artist."

Since 2008, Assets for Artists has provided financial and business training as well as a matched savings accounts to artists with low to moderate incomes. The program, originally launched in Berkshire County, is run by the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, the Midas Collaborative, ArtHome, and other regional partners. This year, Assets expands to Portland, Maine, New York City, and Rhode Island.

The pilot program for Rhode Island will give ten artists free financial and business training aimed at growing their creative enterprises and achieving greater financial security. By meeting a savings goal of $2,000 and completing the training, participants can receive a matched grant of $2,000 in working capital funds to put their new business skills into action.

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The Assets for Artists blog details the financial and business training. Personal training will be led by financial guru Esther Robinson of ArtHome, Bill Atherton of the International Institute of New England's Bridged to Business Program, acclaimed legal trainer Jim Grace of the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston, and arts marketing expert Deborah Obalil.

The deadline for applications to Assets for Artists is March 22, 2013. Click here for eligibility criteria and an application link, and stay tuned to the Assets for Artists Facebook for announcements.