FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 17, 2024
Contact: Edwina Klünder eakluender@gmail.com 617-888-5859
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New Slate of New Bedford Creative Peer-to-Peer Sessions Launches: Popular series features creative entrepreneurs sharing knowledge in online workshops
NEW BEDFORD, MA – New Bedford Creative is launching its third season of Peer-to-Peer Sessions for 2024 April through October. These sessions are designed to empower individual artists, creative entrepreneurs, and arts and culture enterprises across the greater New Bedford area. Nearly all the sessions will be conducted online, offering accessibility to a wide audience, and best of all, they are completely free of charge. To register, visit newbedfordcreative.org.
“We are excited to unveil this new slate of Peer-to-Peer Sessions, which are designed to foster collaboration, learning, and growth within our vibrant creative community,” comments Hendrick Hernandez-Resto, Creative Specialist at the New Bedford Economic Development Council. “These sessions encapsulate our commitment to supporting artists and creative entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive.”
The schedule includes an exciting array of talented artists and experts, each contributing their unique perspectives and expertise to the sessions and each curated to inspire and empower creatives in our community.
The series launches on Tuesday, April 23, with “An Editor’s Advice to Writers.” Author and editor Ralph Hickok will lead the session in three parts: Spellcheck Is Your Frenemy, Use the Right Word, and Don’t Get Fancy. April 30 sees artist and educator Kat Knutsen with “Unveiling the Art of Project Development and Execution.”
On May 14, planning consultant Laurie Zapalac presents a session entitled “How Creatives Can Be Seen and Found in a Data-Driven World,” which will review how industry classification codes and creative directories work, and how creatives can best utilize them to gain new clients, partnerships, and commissions.
Jaden Reyes, founder of Brown Suga Stationery, covers “Creating a Cohesive Brand” and “Being Successful at Vendor Markets and Pop-Ups” in May, and June brings two six-part sessions – an “Artist Enrichment” series by downtown New Bedford art gallery owner and artist Alison Wells, and a public relations series by Eworkstyle Institute founder/CEO Paula Robison Deare.
Claudia De Sousa, Bushwood Tailors Opportunity Shop, will demystify the sewing machine with OppShop on Wednesday, June 5 at a special in-person at Interwoven. On September 4 and then again on October 2, also from 6:00-8:00 pm, environmental alchemist and founder of Interwoven Rhonda M. Fazio will lead the “Street Beat Salon.”
Healing artist and poet Marisol Rosa takes a deep dive into collaboration and partnership in August. In September, Jenny Newman-Arruda and Arianna Swink, co-owners of TL6 The Gallery, each lead their own sessions – Jenny with “How To Price Your Work” and “How Mental Health Impacts Our Creative Process” and Arianna with a three-part series on the importance of financials.
Funding for this initiative is provided by the City of New Bedford, through American Rescue Plan awards, and its Arts, Culture and Tourism Fund. Additional support comes from the Barr Foundation and Bristol County Savings Bank.
The #NBCreative 2024 Peer-to-Peer Sessions are open to all aspiring and established artists, creatives, and cultural innovators. Participants can register for sessions and explore the full schedule on the calendar section of the New Bedford Creative website, newbedfordcreative.org. Archived sessions are available for everyone to watch at youtube.com/@newbedfordcreative.
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Complete List of New Bedford Creative 2024 Peer-to-Peer Sessions
Peer-to-Peer Sessions serve as a dynamic platform for artists to come together, exchange insights, and gain valuable knowledge from industry peers. Participants can expect to glean practical tools and strategies essential for success in the ever-evolving landscape of the creative industry.
An Editor’s Advice to Writers – Ralph Hickok – 4/23/24
In this session, editor Ralph Hickok explores how to avoid the common mistakes that can make a bad impression on readers and editors. Knowing that first impressions are very important, Ralph will cover “do’s and don’ts” in three parts: Spellcheck is your Frenemy, Use the Right Word, and Don’t Get Fancy. Each of these parts will provide participants with core techniques that are beneficial in everyday and professional settings.
Unveiling the Art of Project Development and Execution – Kat Knutsen – 4/30/2024
Artist and educator Kat Knutsen will facilitate a workshop exploring the multifaceted nature of project management, encompassing diverse interests, timelines, and terminologies. Kat is an experienced muralist who also facilitates figure drawing classes at her studio and teaches fine art and digital media at Bristol Community College. These achievements have granted her a unique perspective on how to execute projects of various capacities.
How Creatives Can Be Seen and Found in a Data-Driven World – Laurie Zapalac – 5/14/24
As a follow up to the report being released May 7th, the Composition of the New Bedford Creative Economy, planning consultant Laurie Zapalac will review the how and why of industry classification codes and occupancy codes, including their relationship to categories of creative activity, and the importance of using them effectively in any type of registry process. She will also offer best practices for developing your free, user-generated and maintained profiles in the New Bedford Creative Directory and Creative Ground, the creative directory managed by the New England Foundation for the Arts. We’ll also explore other creative directories that you might want to join or use as sources of inspiration!
Creating a Cohesive Brand – Jaden Reyes – 5/21/24
In this engaging session, participants will delve into the fundamentals of branding, exploring essential questions like “What is branding?” and uncovering the significance of a strong brand identity in today’s competitive landscape. Whether you’re an established artist looking to refine your brand or a budding creative entrepreneur seeking to build a strong foundation, this session offers a step-by-step guide to expanding and enhancing your brand identity.
Being Successful at Vendor Markets/Pop-Ups – Jaden Reyes – 5/28/24
This session is designed to equip artists with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the dynamic world of vendor markets and pop-up events. From the essentials of setting up at markets to optimizing table structure and creating a compelling brand presence, participants will gain valuable insights into maximizing their success in these vibrant settings. Additionally, attendees will receive a curated list of 2024 vendor market opportunities, ensuring they stay ahead of the game and capitalize on the latest trends. This workshop promises to empower you with the strategies and resources needed to excel in the world of vendor markets and pop-ups.
Artist Enrichment Series – Alison Wells
- An Artist Grant & A Dream (6/4/24, 6/18/24)
- My Email List is Gold (7/2/24, 7/16/24)
- Pros and Cons of Gallery representation (7/30/24)
- Gratitude Art Journal with Me! (8/13/24)
This 6-session peer-to-peer training will explore the intricacies of nurturing creative dreams, cultivating the growth of an email list, explore the benefits and drawbacks of seeking gallery representation and how to craft your very own mini art journal from start to finish.
Demystifying The Sewing Machine with OppShop at Interwoven Gallery – Claudia De Sousa – Wednesday, 6/5/24 – 6:00-8:00 pm
This session will serve as a “sewing machine 101” where participants will learn how to thread and use a sewing machine as well as sample various stitches that will be incorporated into their design. Participants will be taught how to address the mystery of the machine by learning how to thread it, problem solve any issues that may come up and begin a non-garment design project.
Strategic Public Relations – Paula Robinson Deare
- Power of Voice In Image and Brand, Audience and Purpose (6/11/24)
- Marketing 101 (6/25/24)
- Monthly Sales Strategies, Press kits, Promotions, PSA’s and Advertising (7/9/24)
- The Power of your Voice in Delivery and Dissemination (7/23/24)
- Planning Strategies for in Person and Online Meetings or Small and Large Events (8/6/24)
- Announce Success and Thanking All (8/20/24)
This 6-part series will discuss how the power of your voice is the ultimate expression of you, how to gain new customers, how to write a one page press release, how to determine what benefit you offer customers, the process of getting your product out to your audience, as well as how to prepare a proper ‘Thank You’ that is earnest and can also be used as a promotional showcase for your next event.
Collaboration: A deep dive – Marisol Rosa – 8/27/2024
Healing artist and poet Marisol Rosa invites participants to explore the intricate art of partnership and collaboration, transcending boundaries to create meaningful connections and impactful projects. Topics will include strategies for identifying compatible collaborators, navigating the dynamics of collaborative work, and establishing effective standards and procedures. From fostering open communication to honoring diverse perspectives, attendees will uncover the keys to nurturing enduring and sustainable partnerships that stand the test of time.
How To Price Your Work, and How Mental Health Impacts Our Creative Process – Jenny Newman-Arruda – 9/3/24, 9/10/24
Unlock the secrets to pricing your artwork with confidence in “How To Price Your Work” featuring artist and co-owner of TL6 The Gallery Jenny Newman-Arruda on September 3. This workshop is crafted to empower artists with the knowledge and skills needed to accurately assess the value of their creations. “How Mental Health Impacts Our Creative Process” is a workshop that will explore practical strategies for maintaining balance and resilience, and offers a holistic approach to nurturing mental health within the creative journey. Central to the exploration is the concept of the “flow state” – that elusive yet profoundly rewarding state of heightened focus and productivity.
Street Beat Salon – Rhonda M. Fazio – Wednesday, 9/4/24 and Wednesday, 10/2/24 – 6-8:00 p.m.
Artist Rhonda M. Fazio will open the makerspace and gallery at Interwoven, 634 Pleasant Street, New Bedford to collaborate with Peer-to-Peer, ARTnet, and studio artists that are established “Makers” of the community in New Bedford. Rhonda M. Fazio will present creative skill building, putting to practice the stories that hold the potential to be put into a grant proposal.
Importance of Financials – Arianna Swink
- Selecting a Business Entity (9/24)
- The Importance of Keeping Proper Books (10/1)
- Setting Up a New Business (10/8)
Arianna Swink is not only the co-owner of TL6 the Gallery, she is also a Tax Preparer/Enrolled Agent at MJ Tax and Business Services. In this three-part series, she will cover the importance of financials. The first session, Selecting a Business Entity, participants will learn about each of the business entity types, such as Sole Proprietor, LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, or Partnership, and what might be a good fit for them. The second session will review how to maintain your books and some helpful “do’s and dont’s.” The final session will cover what things to do when starting a new business, such as registering an EIN with the IRS and setting up sales tax with the state.
Creative Convergence: Mastering Communication & Planning for Professional Creatives – Kat Knutsen – 10/15/24
Join renowned artist and educator Kat Knutsen for an immersive workshop designed exclusively for professional creatives seeking to enhance their communication and planning skills. In today’s fast-paced creative landscape, effective communication and meticulous planning are the cornerstones of success.
Photo description: Artist Rhonda M. Fazio gives a presentation to a group of creatives at her space, Interwoven, in downtown New Bedford.
Photo credit: John Robson