Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship
BUSI 701
Artistic Entrepreneurship
Spring 2009
Mondays, 5:00-7:30 p.m., McColl 4731
 

This course is a study in entrepreneurship and the specific challenges faced by artistic entrepreneurs. The course will be taught from three perspectives. First is a “startup” approach which will cover the fundamentals of creating new ventures, both for-profit and not-for-profit, in various industries associated with the arts, including music, film, gaming, performing arts, creative writing, graphic design, photography and arts-and-crafts. As there are no prerequisites, the class will necessarily tackle basic business fundamentals, but will keep them in the context of artistic ventures. We will focus on the challenges of mixing art and commerce, with an emphasis on maintaining artistic integrity in the face of economic realities.

The course’s second approach is an experiential “soft skills” component led by Greg Hohn. Students participate in improvisational and theatrical activities and discuss their experiences and observations and relevant applications. The goal is for students to become more confident, adaptable, aware of self and others, bolder, and less averse to risk.

The third perspective will be provided by visiting artistic entrepreneurs, who will come to class to share their experiences and insights, and to answer questions about their artistic ventures.

Students are encouraged to bring their own talents and entrepreneurial ideas to the class, where they will explore the feasibility of their own new artistic ventures.

 COURSE GOALS

To empower students with:

1. the ability to assess the feasibility of an artistic business opportunity;
2. skills to begin the planning process for creating a new venture; and
3. insight and motivation to overcome personal “risk” barriers.

GRADING

Final Project (40%) : This project will be the culmination of the work done in and out of class over the semester. Because of the emphasis in the class on personal communication skills, the main deliverable is a venture presentation to the class followed by Q&A. You will also be required to turn in a written report. Details will be distributed in class.

Midterm: Portrait of an Artistic Entrepreneur (30%) : This will be a 4-6 page (approximately 2000 words) summary of an interview with an artistic entrepreneur accompanied by a 5-minute PPT presentation given in class. You should cover Vernon’s Razor topics that have been discussed in class.

Homework and Participation (30%) : The course is designed to be very interactive. Students are expected to come to class prepared and ready to participate.