Local artists with the desire to own and operate their own art business may soon be able to.
The South Padre Island Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is seeking applicants for its new Art Business Incubator (ABI) program.
Artists accepted into the program will receive several benefits, including free studio space, an initial supplies stipend of $1,000, a monthly stipend of $200 and gallery display space to be located in a Padre Boulevard storefront.
The application is open to all 2-D and 3-D artists, including painting, sculpture, photography, film jewelry making, fabric art, graphic design and technology-based art.
Eligible applicants must possess experience in creating and marketing their art or educational experience such as a master’s degree or Master of Fine Arts.
SELECTION PROCESS
Selected semi-finalists will be notified and scheduled for an interview with a panel of judges within a week of being notified.
Finalists for the ABI Training program will begin a Kauffman Fast Trac Entrepreneurial Training.
Following the training, finalists will have two months to create a business plan that will be evaluated by Kauffman business trainers.
Selected applicants will begin a 12-month residency in the ABI program.
THE PURPOSE
According to ABI Program Director Alexa Ray, the program serves as a tourism product that is not seasonal or weather dependent, which could help attract people with the ability and resources to travel year-round.
“The SPI economy will benefit from the boost that art and culture tourism provides as a result of the program and its emerging art business entrepreneurs,” Ray said. “And an added bonus of having a thriving artsrelated business community in the city is it enhances the quality of life for residents through shared creative experiences.”
To apply to the Art Business Incubator program, visit https:// tinyurl.com/y2nf2u4t.
BY ALANA HERNANDEZ, Staff writer
