Arts entrepreneurs complete training in Columbus

A total of 45 Hoosier creative entrepreneurs recently participated in the Indiana Arts Commission’s Annual On-Ramp Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator in Columbus. The Columbus Area Arts Council, one of the commission’s regional partners, hosted the group that stayed at Hotel Indigo.

On-Ramp is a national, award-winning program designed to educate artists and creative professionals in key areas of entrepreneurship and finance and to provide ongoing mentorship and development of arts-based small businesses.

Over the course of three days, participants followed a curriculum designed and led by Elaine Grogan Luttrull of Minerva Financial Arts. In their down time, participants took in the local architecture and public art, enjoyed restaurants and more.

Brooke Hawkins, the arts council’s executive director, mentioned that participants remained busy.

“They were exploring the downtown, sharing creative ideas, and doing some creative networking,” Hawkins said. “We feel like this has been a really special opportunity for our community.”

Indiana Arts Commission Executive Director Miah Michaelsen praised the participants.

“This year’s cohort is an impressive one that shows the depths of the creative economy of the Hoosier State,” Michaelsen said. “The Arts Commission is proud to play a role in accelerating their artistic careers in Indiana.”

Hawkins mentioned that this is a side of the arts council “that most people don’t ever get to see, and that is, of course, not public facing. But it is certainly making an important impact on the community and especially the creative community.

“It’s an important part of behind-the-scenes work.”

At the conclusion of the training, the entrepreneurs submitted proposals for a $2,000 fellowship to directly apply course lessons to their creative career and small business development. Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of mentor creative entrepreneurs who will provide feedback based upon their individual and collective expertise.