What is the AEP?
The Artist Entrepreneur Program is a 10-week accelerator designed to equip under-resourced and under-represented artists in Oklahoma City with the skills and knowledge to create and enhance strategic business plans for their artistic ventures. The program connects participants to a network of mentors, business owners, and entrepreneurs, culminating in an opportunity to pitch their business plans and apply for a $5,000 micro-grant after successfully completing the program.

Who is behind AEP?
AEP is hosted by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) in partnership with The Alliance and Oklahoma Arts Management Solutions. The program leverages the expertise of professional business owners and arts industry specialists to provide mentorship and guidance to participating artists.

Who should apply to AEP?
The program is designed for practicing artists in Oklahoma City across various disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance, theater, and film. Applicants should be artists who have demonstrated business operations and are either minority-owned, located in Qualified Census Tracts, or have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

How can I apply for AEP?
Applicants can submit their applications through the online platform Submittable. Detailed instructions and the link to apply are available on the OVAC’s website dedicated to the Artist Entrepreneur Program. Make sure to prepare all required documents and information as outlined in the application guidelines. Apply here!

What happens after I submit my application?
Once applications are submitted, they undergo a review process by a selection panel that includes program leadership, staff mentors, entrepreneurs, and business specialists. Applicants are scored based on various criteria, and the top scorers will be pre-selected for potential participation. Final acceptance notifications will be sent by mid-July, and selected participants must confirm their attendance within ten business days.

What are the goals and anticipated outcomes of AEP?
AEP aims to provide comprehensive business education to artists, enhancing their business acumen and organizational skills. Anticipated outcomes include improved business strategies, increased financial sustainability, and greater engagement with the arts community.

What does the curriculum include?
The curriculum covers a range of topics essential for arts entrepreneurship, such as business planning, marketing, fundraising, legal aspects, financial management, and pitch development. Participants will engage in lectures, hands-on activities, group discussions, and mentoring and networking sessions.

How can participants benefit from the $5,000 grant?
Eligible participants who successfully complete their business proposals may apply for a $5,000 micro-grant from The Alliance. This grant supports the implementation of business plans developed during the program, covering expenses like marketing, equipment, and other operational costs.

What is the commitment required for AEP?
Participants must commit to weekly in-person sessions at The Verge, totaling approximately 3.5 hours per week, over the course of 10 weeks. The program includes additional activities such as mentoring sessions, tours of art spaces, and the final pitch night.

How are participants selected?
Applications are reviewed by a panel using a detailed rubric that assesses artistic background, business needs, commitment to the program, and other criteria. The selection process is competitive, aiming to identify artists who will most benefit from and contribute to the program.

What networking opportunities does AEP offer?
The program concludes with a pitch night where artists present their business plans to the local entrepreneurial and arts community, offering a platform for feedback and potential funding. Ongoing mentorship and peer interactions throughout the program also foster valuable professional connections.

Where and when does the program take place?
The program sessions are held in the evenings at The Verge in Oklahoma City, running from September 3 - November 5. The exact schedule and deadlines for applications can be found on OVAC’s AEP webpage.

How do I know if I am operating within Oklahoma City Limits?
Check your address on this map.

How do I demonstrate business operations?
Proof of business operations can include items such as signed contracts, articles of incorporation, tax returns, business licenses, business insurance, letters of reference, pay stubs, income statements, and/or evidence of completed work/projects/partnerships/volunteerism/pro bono work.

What if I am not a registered business?
If you are not currently a registered business but are interested in applying for the Artist Entrepreneur Program, the Oklahoma SBDC offers free consulting services. To utilize their services visit oksbdc.org and click on “Request Advising.” As long as your business is registered prior to July 1, 2024, you meet this eligibility requirement.

What qualifies my business as Minority-Owned?
For the purposes of the AEP program, minority-owned is defined by race/ethnicity.

What is a Qualified Census Tract (QCT)?
A Qualified Census Tract (QCT) is a geographic area designated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that has either a poverty rate of at least 20% or a median family income that does not exceed 80% of the area's median income. If you are applying under this criteria, refer to the provided map to determine if your business address is within one of the census tract locations.

How do I qualify under the Negative Economic Impact criteria?
Evidence can include cancellation of contracts, jobs, lay-offs, or other negative consequences related to your creative business.