2010 Consult-a-thon Appointments

Learn more about the 2010 Consultants. 
Consultant appointments are now live. Please click on the times to schedule your session.


Advance sales will close at noon on Friday, April 9.  Remaining consultant appointments will be onsale at the Creative Chicago Expo.





LASHON ANTHONY   -   SOLD OUT
visuals4u
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Discipline: Visual

La'Shon Anthony has over 20 years experience in sales and marketing and over 10 years in consulting for small businesses and non-profits. Her services are strengthened by business partnerships with Constant Contact, PayPal, and Acteva.   In addition to Associated Content, La'Shon writes business articles for SmallBizLink on Monster.com and the Examiner. She also provides expertise on Yahoo! Answers, Linkedin's Answer Center, LivePerson, and WikiAnswers. You can visit her website at http://visuals4u.com.

This consultation is ideal for non-profits and business owners who need assistance with website design, marketing and promotions, creation of an online store, e-mail campaigns and branding ideas.

Expertise:

  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Graphic Design
  • Internet and Social Media
  • E-commerce Development
  • Event Planning
  • Fund Raising
  • Strategic Planning

Topics:

  • Internet marketing & creating an online store for artwork
  • Developing a website that achieves sales and conversions
  • Promoting with new strategies for different results
  • Branding an art business
  • Turning a hobby into a profitable business

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Prepare a list of individuals/organizations for possible partnering opportunities
  • Prepare proposals
  • Bring business cards for networking opportunities

Schedule an appointment: 1:30 - filled, 2:30 - filled

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LAURI APPLE   -   SOLD OUT
Journalist, organizer of the Chicago Aldermen Project
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Discipline: Visual, Media

Lauri Apple is a graduate of Cardozo Law School, artist, writer, and promoter of things that are cool and fun. She does political cartoons for websites like Wonkette and likes to collaborate with her artist friends on projects like Twitter Island and the 50 Aldermen/50 Artists group show.

This consultation is ideal for artists or organizations that need promotional assistance and tips for an exciting project. 

Expertise and Topics:

  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Promoting creative projects to the media
  • Strategically creating a media campaign for art projects
  • Articles and media profiles

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Consider the following questions in advance: What am I doing? Who is my audience? What do I want to accomplish? Why should the media cover my show or event? How can I improve my show or event?
  • Bring a sample press release and a laptop to view website and/or blog

Schedule an appointment: 12:30 - filled

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SUSAN AURINKO   -   SOLD OUT
Susan Aurinko, Inc.
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Discipline: Visual

Susan Aurinko, who founded FLATFILEgalleries in 2000, has spent the last 10 years helping artists begin their careers.  She has developed, through workshops in the US and Canada, a 10 point program to make sure artists' portfolios are the best they can be, no matter what medium the artist works in.  Aurinko herself is an award-winning photographer who has shown her own work in solo exhibitions  in France, Italy, India, and the US.

This consultation is ideal for the beginning or emerging artist who would like to develop or strengthen their portfolio to increase opportunities and acceptance of submissions.

Expertise and topics:

  • Portfolio development for visual artists working in all mediums
  • Advice on how to put your best foot forward for submissions to galleries, exhibitions, and juried competitions

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Bring a current portfolio including: Images (printed or on a CD), a CV, an artist statement, a brief biography, and any other pertinent material for evaluation.

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled, 11:30 - filled, 12:30 - filled, 1:30 - filled, 2:30 - filled

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LYNN BASA   -   SOLD OUT
The Artist's Guide to Public Art Workshops
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Discipline: Visual

In 1999 Lynn Basa quit her job as an arts administrator to devote full-time to her artwork.  Through trial and error and with advice from fellow artists and administrators, she quickly learned how to survive as an artist.  In the spirit of paying it forward she wrote "The Artist’s Guide to Public Art" and teaches a course on public art professional practices at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

This consultation is ideal for the visual artist with a serious studio practice who is wondering how to break into the field of public art.

Expertise and Topics:

  • Artist and Career Development Coach
  • Matching types of work with the appropriate public art commission
  • Strengthening the resume and portfolio to increase chances of winning public art competitions

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Prepare to discuss professional goals
  • Prepare a list of current income earned from creative practice
  • Bring a past or current application packet for a public art commission
  • Bring a portfolio containing images of work, resume and artist statement

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled, 12:30 - filled, 1:30 - filled, 2:30 - filled

 

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BRITTON BERTRAN   -   SOLD OUT
Urban Gateways
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Discipline: Visual

Britton Bertran is a Chicago-based independent curator, Instructor at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Educational Programs Manager at Urban Gateways. Bertranprojects.com is an aggregated photo-based weblog documenting various projects, art openings and wanderings throughout Chicago.

This consultation is ideal for individuals who are emerging into post education art and seeking advice on how to proceed.

Expertise and topics:

  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Organizational Development
  • Strategic Planning
  • Discussion about self-promotion and the gallery system
How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:
  • Prepare a list of issues and questions in advance
  • Bring Jpeg images of work and/or professional website
  • Bring a resume and business card

Schedule an appointment: 12:30 - filled, 1:30 - filled, 2:30 - filled


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Adam Brooks
Industry of the Ordinary, Columbia College

Discipline: Visual

Adam Brooks is an artist, curator and educator, and currently he functions as one half of the collaborative artist project Industry of the Ordinary. In addition, for 20 years he was the curator of the Refco Collection, a 500-work body of contemporary photography, which was particularly focused on conceptually oriented work. He also holds the position of Associate Professor of Art at Columbia College Chicago, as well as having been the Coordinator of the Fine Art program there from 2002-2008.

This consultation is ideal for visual artists, curators and hybrid creatives near the beginning of their careers.

Expertise and Topics:

  • Promotion
  • Internet and social media
  • publicly-sited work
  • collaborative projects
  • art curation
  • corporate art collections
  • conceptually-based photography
How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:
  • Consider the following questions: How can I thrive as a multi-disciplinary art professional in the current climate? What are my options as a recent graduate or soon-to-be graduate of an art school program?
  • Is there a future in the art world?
  • Bring a portfolio (helpful but not essential)
Schedule an appointment: 12:30 - filled, 1:30 - available, 2:30 - filled

 

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LISETTE CALDERON   -   SOLD OUT
Connoisseur PR Group
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Discipline: Visual, Media, fashion

Lisette Rebekah Calderon has a background in print publishing. She works with visual artist, art galleries, designers, crafts, jewelry designers, fashion industry ventures, and new creative businesses to implement measurable publicity campaigns for her clients. She has successfully implemented media events and promotions for the artistic community working creating public relations campaigns for clients locally, nationally or internationally.

This consultation is ideal for creative business ventures in the beginning or start up phase, independent artists looking to sell their art and connect with art galleries, and all fashion industry professionals such as designers and retailers who need to get more media attention and prospecting.

Expertise:

  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Strategic Planning

Topics:

  • Public relations efforts to help create a buzz around your art or fashion business
  • Getting more media attention
  • Using PR as a marketing tool
  • Promoting your work with media events
  • Online search engine optimizing

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Prepare a summary of work with a list of professional goals for the next three months, six months and the next year
  • Bring images of work and current press kit if available
  • Bring any other relevant material that can assist in the creation of a grassroots affordable publicity plan

Schedule an appointment: 1:30 - filled, 2:30 - filled

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LISA CANNING   -   SOLD OUT
The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship
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Discipline: Music 

As a serial artistic entrepreneur for almost thirty years, Lisa Canning created several multi-million dollar ventures that each experienced double digit growth for twenty of the last twenty three years. In 2005 Lisa sold five ventures: a musical mail-order and rental business, 3 retail stores and a real estate property management company, totaling over $12 million dollars of combined revenue. Her sixth million-dollar venture and current business, Lisa’s Clarinet Shop requires less than twenty hours a week to produce a six-figure income.

This consultation is ideal for anyone from the business beginner to the experienced business owner.

Expertise:

  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Finance
  • Retail
  • Mail Order
  • Purchasing
  • Organizational Development
  • Strategic Planning

Topics:

  • Business idea formulation
  • Start up business planning
  • Discussion of finance and operational issues
  • Employee development
  • Marketing and public relations on a shoe string budget

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Prepare a list of questions in one or two areas of expertise.
  • Bring any relevant information that applies to the discussion

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled, 11:30 - filled, 12:30 - filled, 2:30 - filled

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DAVID CHAVEZ   -   SOLD OUT
Sound Culture Center for Global Arts 
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Discipline: Music

David Chavez is the founder and Artistic Director for Sound Culture Center for Global Arts.  Sound Culture is an independent arts organization created to produce and present cultural music in the city of Chicago by local, national, and international touring artists.  Chavez has been the program director of HotHouse, and Uncommon Ground, and has consulted for Morse Theater, Spertus Institute, Cincinnati Museum of Art, and the Mayors Office of Special Events.  Sound Culture produces several signature annual events and festivals including the Nomadic World Music Festival citywide and Celebrate Clark St. in Rogers Park.

This consultation is ideal for musicians, bands, and emerging performing arts organizations.

Expertise and topics:

  • Marketing and promotion for emerging artists
  • How to get booked at a music venue
  • Organizational development for performing arts organizations
  • Strategic Planning

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Prepare a list of issues or roadblocks facing the arts organization
  • Bring press kits and a list of promotions and marketing material the musician or band has had thus far
  • Bring any pertinent material for review (audio recordings will not be reviewed)

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled, 11:30 - filled

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THOM CLARK   -   SOLD OUT
Community Media Workshop
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Discipline: Media

Thom Clark is founder and president of Community Media Workshop at Columbia College Chicago where he works with some 2,000 nonprofit communicators each year to help them get their stories out. He teaches journalism, worked as a photojournalist and magazine editor, and hosted hundreds of radio and cable shows.

This consultation is ideal for non-profit organization leaders, and volunteers who need assistance with communications, media and public relations. 

Expertise:

  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Organizational Development
  • Fund Raising
  • Internet and Social Media
  • Strategic Planning

Topics:

  • Blending traditional public relations with social media
How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:
  • Be prepared to discuss the following questions: What is your story? How will your audience remember you after they encounter your work?
  • Bring examples of promotional materials, webpage and/or blog

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled, 11:30 - filled 

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DAISY DE LA CRUZ   -   SOLD OUT
De La Croix Media Group
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Disciplines: Media and Marketing

Daisy De La Cruz was born & raised in a small north-western suburb of Chicago. Being just 30 minutes away created an undeniable urge to leave the small town and be one with the big city. "The energy & spirit this city carries in the wind is indescribable" she says, "It’s almost electrifying!" Residing in (almost) every Chicago neighborhood since the age of 18; this marketing maven has embraced everything Chicago has to offer & more specifically, its hard working patrons. With that in mind, De La Croix Media Group has planted its roots in the heart of River North, with high goals of expanding our local market place.

This consultation is ideal for the small business, entrepreneur or creative start up looking to reinvent or create their identity, in a competitive online market place. 

Expertise:

  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Internet and Social Media
  • Strategic Planning

Topics:

  • Company branding
  • Logo/identity design
  • Web design
  • Social media, grass roots, and online marketing
What to bring to your appointment:
  • Prepare a clear outline, plan, or list of business identity goals
  • Bring samples, ideas, links and/or material relevant to achieving those goals  

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled, 11:30 - filled, 12:30 - filled

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DIANNE DEBICELLA   -   SOLD OUT
Fractured Atlas
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Disciplines: All

Since 2008, Dianne has served as Fractured Atlas's Program Director for Fiscal Sponsorship. Dianne helps over 1,800 sponsored artists and emerging organizations, representing all artistic disciplines, find funding and other resources to support their work. She received her BFA in photography from Massachusetts College of Art and is an alumna of The Woodhull Institute. Dianne completed her Master's of Professional Studies with distinction from Pratt Institute's Arts and Cultural Management program.

This consultation is ideal for any individual artist or emerging organization that needs help creating a fundraising plan. 

Expertise:

  • Finance
  • Fund Raising
  • Organizational Development

Topics:

  • Define the kind of funding needed to accomplish objectives
  • Helping individual artists and organizations of all income categories establish short and long term goals
  • Defining project scope and budget
  • Identifying a donor base
  • Refining donor search and targeting potentials
  • Creating a fundraising action plan
  • Brainstorming grant copy

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Consider the following questions: Do you have a fundraising plan? Do you have a budget?  Who do you think are likely contributors to your projects? What is the makeup of your current base of contributors? Do you have the human power and time needed to develop a well-researched and supported fund raising strategy? Do you have the necessary tools for tracking donors, managing money, and acknowledging contributions? Do you have a written mission? Have you developed solicitation materials?
  • Bring any materials relevant to fundraising and organizational development

Schedule an appointment: 2:30 - filled

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MELISSA GAMBLE
Chicago Office of Tourism
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Discipline: Fashion

Melissa Gamble received a BA in History from Indiana University and JD from Indiana University School of Law, and after practicing law for seven years, a BA in Fashion Marketing and Management from the Illinois Institute of Art. She is currently the director of Fashion Arts and Events for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.  As Director of Fashion Arts and Events, she is responsible for the City's Fashion Week, Fashion Focus Chicago, leading the Mayor's Fashion Council, developing and maintaining www.chicagofashionresource.com, the City’s official fashion website, developing the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s on State Street and producing year round programming and opportunities to help build the City's fashion industry and support local designers and retailers.

This consultation is ideal for fashion program graduates looking for career advice, designers who want to launch a new line, designers who need production advice, people interested in the fashion incubator program, and aspiring boutique owners.

Expertise and Topics:

  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Organizational Development
  • Strategic Planning
  • Business Start Up
  • Presenting yourself and your business to consumers and buyers

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Prepare a list of discussion topics and specific questions concerning current challenges 
  • Bring images of work
  • Bring any other marketing materials related to the business such as business cards, website, and line sheet

Schedule an appointment: 12:30 - filled, 1:30 - available, 2:30 - filled

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NANCY GILDART
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
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Discipline: Visual

Nancy Gildart advises students at SAIC on writing proposals and is the Fulbright program advisor for SAIC. She is an installation artist and writer working with commemorative and community themes. She holds an MFA (2000), and BFA (1998) in fiber and material studies from SAIC, an MA in Library Science (1986) from the University of Chicago, and a BA (1980) in literature from the University of Michigan’s Residential College.

This consultation is ideal for anyone who has a clear idea of what they want to achieve with a grant, fellowship, exhibition or other such opportunity. 

Expertise and Topics:

  • Writing Proposals
  • Critical and constructive feedback on proposals for grants, fellowships or exhibitions
How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:
  • Bring any material related to the application for a particular opportunity 
  • Bring a draft proposal for discussion and feedback

Schedule an appointment: 12:30 - filled, 1:30 - available, 2:30 - filled

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RORY GOLDEN   -   SOLD OUT
New York Foundation for the Arts
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Disciplines: Visual and Literature

As Executive Director at the Center for Book Arts (2000 - 2004) in New York, Rory Golden established various new programs to support artists. These include a new exhibition series, a letterpress broadsides poetry reading series, a workspace artist-in-residence program for emerging artists, and a tuition-free class for emerging writers. Before coming to NYFA Golden was part-time Studio Manager at the Atlanta Printmakers Studio. His work has been recognized with fellowships from Yaddo, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, the Blue Mountain Center and the National Academy of Fine Arts. Recent grants include an Idea Capital Grant, a Puffin Foundation Grant and a recent research grant from Duke University Libraries Special Collections. His work was recently featured in Art Papers magazine’s 11th annual art auction.

This consultation is ideal for anyone seeking practical advice in the area of studio or career or seeking coaching on the best strategy for transitioning goals into action.

Expertise:

  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Organizational Development
  • Fund Raising
  • Strategic Planning

Topics:

  • Suggestions for new ways of considering familiar problems, concerns, or blocks in your studio practice or career and actions to move your practice or career forward
  • Candid discussion and exploration of what stands between you and your goals

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Prepare a list of one or two career or studio concerns to discuss
  • Bring related materials that you would like feedback on including images and questions about a new body of work or written support materials (resume and artist statement)   for your work
Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled, 2:30 - filled


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AMBER HAWK SWANSON   -   SOLD OUT
New York Foundation for the Arts
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Disciplines: Visual and Media

Amber Hawk Swanson administers all aspects of NYFA Source, the nation's most comprehensive online database of programs for artists working in all disciplines. Additionally, Hawk Swanson administers all aspects of MARK, New York Foundation for the Arts' professional development program for New York State visual artists residing outside of the five boroughs of New York City. Also a practicing artist, Amber Hawk Swanson lives and works in Brooklyn. Her work is included in the collection of the Museum of Contemporary Photography (Chicago) and has been reviewed in Map Magazine, The Associated Press, Time Out Chicago, and Flavorpill. Hawk Swanson holds an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and two BFAs from Iowa State University.

This consultation is ideal for visual and video artists looking to expand their audience using social media, individuals seeking web guidance, and artists needing assistance connecting to resources.

Expertise:

  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Fund Raising 
  • Internet and Social Media
  • Strategic Planning

Topics:

  • Business and technical assistance for artists across disciplines 

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Be prepared to discuss the following topics: Who you are as an artists, who you want to be, how you see yourself in the art world, where specifically you see yourself fitting into the artworld and how that might change
  • Bring questions and packets of materials relevant to the above topics

Schedule an appointment:  11:30 - filled, 1:30 - filled



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LYNN HALLER   -   SOLD OUT
The Salkind Agency (Chicago Women in Publishing)
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Discipline: Literature

Lynn Haller has over 20 years of experience in publishing, and has been a literary agent at the Salkind Agency for over five years. She has represented authors to publishers that include Wiley, McGraw-Hill, Bloomberg, Sourcebooks, Peachpit, Addison-Wesley, O'Reilly, and many more, as well as leading book series such as Dummies, Head First, and Missing Manual. She represents a broad array of nonfiction projects, with a particular interest in how-to and tech.  Prior to her work at the Salkind Agency, Lynn was an acquisitions editor for graphic design books at North Light Books for over five years. She has also been the author of numerous books on the subject of design.

This consultation is ideal for either the published writer or a popular blogger with a great idea for a nonfiction book. It is also helpful for an organization that wants to shop around their own book.  This consultation is not intended for those who want to do a children's book or fiction.

Expertise and Topics:

  • Literary Agent
  • Assistance for writers or organizations to figure out how to get a literary agent or to find a publisher for their book

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Prepare an idea for a nonfiction book
  • Research the competition for the idea in advance
  • Bring a copy of the book proposal or table of contents
  • Bring writing samples that are relevant to the project

Schedule an appointment: 12:30 - filled, 1:30 - filled

 

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LEAH JONES   -   SOLD OUT
Native Arts & Media
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Disciplines: Music and Media

Leah is the founder of Natiiv Arts & Media where she is a social media coach for artists, writers and musicians. Leah focuses on teaching individuals and groups the skills they need to be successful at online marketing and personal branding. Prior to launching Natiive Arts & Media in January of 2009, Leah worked at Edelman PR as the Digital-Culture Evangelist. She served on the Strategic Services team and guided research on behalf of brands to understand what is being said online and developed digital strategy based on the findings.

This consultation is ideal for any artist or organization who wants to make better use of social media and their web presence.

Expertise and Topics:

  • Marketing
  • Training and development of how to use social media to build relationships and increase fan base

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Prepare a list of goals for using social media
  • Choose a site to focus on

Schedule an appointment: 11:30 - filled, 12:30 - filled, 1:30 - filled

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JAY KELLY   -   SOLD OUT
TL.C. Williams & Associates
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Disciplines: Dance and Theater

Jay Kelly, most recently Director of Marketing and PR at Victory Gardens Theater, launched an Arts & Leisure practice at L.C. Williams & Associates (LCWA) last fall, drawing on more than 15 years of experience promoting live theater and dance in Chicago. Before joining Victory Gardens full time, Jay managed the theater’s PR campaign for 11 years via his own boutique agency, Off Loop PR.   Other Off Loop clients included the League of Chicago Theatres, Lookingglass Theatre, Court Theatre, Northlight, Metropolis in Arlington Heights, Emerald City Theatre Company, and more.

This consultation is ideal for any arts organization that understands the Chicago media landscape, but needs creativity and assistance on the PR and social media front. 

Expertise:

  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Internet and Social Media
  • Public Relations

Topics:

  • Advice on the basics of starting a PR campaign
  • How to write a press release
  • The importance of photos and video
  • Media follow-up strategies
  • Extending the PR campaign into the social media realm

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Prepare: know your basic journalism "5W's and an H" about your project (who, what, when, where, why and how), think about what makes your company or product new or different, consider your past experience generating press attention, and be prepared to answer why you think the Chicago Tribune should write about YOU.
  • Bring marketing collateral materials, past press releases and copies of press coverage to date

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled, 11:30 - filled

 

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BRIAN KEIGHER   -   SOLD OUT
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
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Discipline: Music

Brian Keigher is an event programmer with the Department of Cultural Affairs, where he works on the World Music Festival and Summer Dance. Previously he was Regional Events Manager at Draft Worldwide, was a music programmer at Radiowave.com, and is also an independent DJ in Chicago clubs known as DJ Warp.

This consultation is ideal for musicians and bands that are looking to book gigs in Chicago and other locations.

Expertise and topics:

  • Music promotion and booking
  • Festival and event production
  • Social media

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Bring a list of goals and accomplishments to date
  • Bring related promotional materials and press clips

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled, 11:30 - filled

 

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MELISSA LAGOWSKI   -   SOLD OUT
Big Buzz Idea Group
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Disciplines: All

Melissa Lagowski is the principal behind Big Buzz Idea Group. In her 22 years of corporate and non-profit event planning experience, she has launched and executed large fundraisers, conceived and initiated several innovative and lucrative new programs, coordinated a variety of dinners/awards functions, hosted several community concert series, designed trade show exhibits and organized numerous conferences/workshops. Her services include event promotion, sponsorship development, volunteer recruitment/management, entertainment, vendors, logistical details and security.     Lagowski graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. Her program emphasis was public relations and event planning.

This consultation is ideal for non-profits, corporations, communities or individuals looking to organize and execute an event

Expertise and Topics:

  • Promoting yourself through events
  • Partnering with local organizations for increased exposure
  • Fund raising 
  • Event Planning

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Be prepared to discuss your ideal target audience, and strategies for hosting a unique event for exposure and promotion

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled,  11:30 - filled, 12:30 - filled, 1:30 - filled

 

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ANNIE LOGUE   -   SOLD OUT

Freelance Writer
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Disciplines: Media and Literature

Annie Logue is a freelance writer and consulting analyst who is fascinated by business and technology. She has a particular interest in regulatory issues and corporate governance. She is the author of “Socially Responsible Investing for Dummies” (Wiley 2009), “Day Trading for Dummies” (Wiley, 2007), and “Hedge Funds for Dummies” (Wiley, 2006), and has written for Alpha, Barron’s, Newsweek Japan, and Business Week Chicago, among other publications. She is a lecturer in finance at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her current career follows 12 years of experience as an investment analyst. She holds a B.A. from Northwestern University, an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago, and the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

This consultation is ideal for anyone who is starting out as a freelance writer. 

Expertise:

  • Finance
  • Strategic Planning
  • Marketing and Promotion

Topics:

  • Getting started as a freelancer
  • Marketing yourself
  • Managing your business as a sole proprietor
How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:
  • Prepare by thinking about your commitment to being a freelancer and what you would like to achieve
  • Bring a list of questions and ideas to discuss

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled, 11:30 - filled, 12:30 - filled, 1:30 - filled

 

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SEAN MCCUMBER
Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, P.C.
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Disciplines: Music, Theater, Film, Literature, and Media

Sean McCumber is a senior associate at the law firm of Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, P.C.   He practices in the areas of family law and entertainment law.   His entertainment law practice focuses on music law, but he has handled film, publishing, theatre, and television matters.   He is the chair of the DuPage County Bar Intellectual Property Law Committee.

This consultation is ideal for anyone who is willing to be creative, yet understands that legal boundaries and requirements still exist for creative ventures

Expertise and Topics:

  • Organizational Development
  • Legal assistance with book deals, film agreements, and record contracts
How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:
  • Prepare a list of questions to be answered
  • Bring contact information and all documents relevant to the legal issue being discussed

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - available, 11:30 - available, 12:30 - available, 1:30 - available, 2:30 - available

 

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SARA MCINTOSH   -   SOLD OUT
Conscious Freedom Now
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Disciplines: Fashion and Functional Media

Sara McIntosh is an experienced life coach with a background in entrepreneurial arts. She enjoys helping artists get past any blocks that keep them from achieving peak performance and peak success. Personal development is the foundation for all other developmental arenas.

This consultation is ideal for the emerging artist who desires more self-confidence and empowerment to pursue their career. 

Expertise and Topics:

  • Organizational Development
  • Personal Development 
  • Successful entrepreneurial and business approaches for the arts
  • Overcoming personal roadblocks to achieve success

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Bring ideas and questions about blocks and habits that you think may prevent you from being successful 

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled, 11:30 - filled, 12:30 - filled, 1:30 - filled, 2:30 - filled

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AMY MEADOWS
Windows Matter
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Discipline: Design

Amy Meadows wears a few different hats. . .for 25 years, she and her team brought you Marshall Field's/Macy's display windows, holiday installations and major special events.  In addition to consulting for retailers, universities, museums and small business strategists, Amy teaches at Columbia College.

This consultation is ideal for individuals or businesses seeking to better understand how a store's windows, signage, display and storefront influence customer habits.

Expertise and Topics:

  • Window Display
  • Visual Merchandising
  • Assistance with the visual impressions that your shop, office or space creates on potential clients and customers

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Be prepared to discuss branding and signage, visual priorities, and a "wish list" of ideas
  • Bring pictures and/or a floor plan if available
Schedule an appointment: 2:30 - available


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RICHARD MORALES   -   SOLD OUT
RATIO LLC
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Disciplines: Music, Visual and Media

RATIO LIVE™ develops and then produces unique live experiences. We are dedicated to creating a high-end standard for our artists and fans to rely on. We handle our concerts, booking, marketing and promotion with passion and care.

This consultation is ideal for anyone with a focus in music or entertainment who is interested in entrepreneurship.

Expertise and Topics:

  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Finance
  • Internet and Social Media
  • Event Planning
  • Live performance concert production and promotion

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Bring a list of questions related to live performance production and promotion

Schedule an appointment: 2:30- filled

 

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LINDSAY OBERMEYER   -   SOLD OUT
Visual Arts Researcher, CAR
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Discipline: Visual

Lindsay Obermeyer’s art has been exhibited throughout the United States and internationally at venues including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MA), the Milwaukee Art Museum (WI), the Museum of Arts and Design (NY), and Centro Colombo Americano (Columbia).  She views her role as an artist to be synonymous with that of an educator and as such has always included teaching as part of her art practice. She has taught at Northern Illinois University, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, for the Chicago Public Schools and at art centers throughout Chicago among others.  She is currently the visual arts researcher for Chicago Artists Resource, an adjunct instructor at National-Louis University and a project designer for Lark Books.  She is the former owner of the Weaving Workshop (now called Knitting Workshop) a Chicago textile art supply store.  She has earned a BFA and MFA in textiles and an MAT in elementary education.

This consultation is ideal for emerging or established artists interested in becoming teaching artists, visual artists who are seeking new opportunities, and those who need to learn the personal side of running a small business.

Expertise and Topics:

  • Organizational Development
  • Preparing images to market
  • Where to seek opportunities
  • Where to find jobs, write a "pitch" to develop a class, and develop a lesson plan for the teaching artist

What to bring to your appointment:

  • For visual artists: bring a portfolio with no more than 10 images, resume and a list of potential venues for exhibition.
  • For teaching artists: bring a portfolio that reflects classes that one desires to teach, resume, sample lesson plan, and a class description for their ideal class.
  • For businesses: bring a mission plan, visual and written description of target customers, and a list of questions and concerns

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled, 11:30 - filled, 1:30 - filled, 2:30 - filled

 

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DIANE PONDER
Mimis Organic Exchange / Living Room Gallery
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Disciplines: Visual and Media

Diane Ponder has over 30 years of art and promotion of art and other events experience. She has worked as a coordinator for psychologist events, a curator at Ravenswood Art Walk, Around the Coyote, and various other spaces.  She is also an artist who has shown artwork around country and overseas.

This consultation is ideal for individuals or artists who want to promote their work, organize events or collaborate.

Expertise and Topics:

  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Organizational Development
  • Internet and Social Media
  • Collaboration
  • Alternative spaces

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Consider the following questions: How do I deal with the topic of my exhibit? How do I get the word out to artists and patrons? How do I work with other artists in the exhibit?
  • Bring images and ideas, promotional materials, and list of news outlets, websites or social networks

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - available

 

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ROSEMARY REVES   -   SOLD OUT
Women-Eye Inc.
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Disciplines: Visual, Fashion and Media

After working in the medical field for 20 years, Ms. Reaves obtained a degree in fashion design from the International Academy of Fashion. She has served as a designer and image consultant with several consulting firms, and has been a fashion designer and owner of Road Design Specialty Designer Store. While a program facilitator for many Non-Profits nationwide working with women and girls and adolescent mothers training programs, she gained experience assisting young women to build their self-esteem as they transitioned from high school to the workplace. She has spoken to audiences around the world on women’s issues and is currently President and CEO of Women-Eye.

This consultation is ideal for female artists seeking assistance with career and business goals

Expertise and Topics:

  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Organizational Development
  • Board Development
  • Strategic Planning
  • How to start a business with very little money

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Prepare a list of long and short term goals
  • Bring information about their buisness and any materials related to the business goals and needs

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled, 11:30 - filled

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LAURA ROEPER   -   SOLD OUT
Art Buyer and Producer
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Discipline: Visual

Laura Roeper worked for nearly ten years in the Advertising Industry and is currently a freelance producer. She has worked as an art buyer with companies such as Beam Global Spirits and Wine, Draft Worldwide, Rivet and OgilvyAction. She also has done public relations and marketing at Chicago Canine Rescue, and has formerly owned and managed an art gallery. She is a fine artist who started in mixed media, and also does installation pieces. Visit her blog at http://lauraroeper.blogspot.com/

This consultation is ideal for any photographer or illustrator, commercial or fine artist, who needs assistance with copyright, pricing, portfolio creation or curation.

Expertise:

  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Commercial Photography and Illustration
  • Legal

Topics:

  • Assistance with legal copyright questions
  • Help with pricing, bidding and negotiating
  • Portfolio reviews for students and professionals
How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:
  • Bring a portfolio, resume, website, samples or any other relevant material

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled, 11:30 - filled, 12:30 - filled

 

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MARCI ROLNIK   -   SOLD OUT
Lawyers for the Creative Arts
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Disciplines: All

Marci Rolnik is the Legal Director of Lawyers for the Creative Arts. Ms. Rolnik has advised clients in all areas of art and entertainment and specializes in intellectual property rights protection for motion pictures.  She serves as Chairman of the Chicago Bar Association Media and Entertainment Committee and serves on the Board of Directors of the Independent Feature Project. Prior to entering the legal profession, Ms. Rolnik worked as a freelance photographer and production consultant.  She is an adjunct instructor in the Film & Video Department at Columbia College, where she teaches Producing II: Legal and Business Affairs.  She also teaches the course, Intellectual Property, at Harper College.

This consultation is ideal for start up or existing businesses or individuals in the arts or entertainment field who need assistance with legal issues.

Expertise and Topics:

  • Legal advice and assistance with contracts, business formation, copyright licensing, fair use, collaboration, trademark and legal disputes
How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:
  • Bring any materials related to the issue being discussed (contracts, registration, etc.)
  • If seeking copyright advice, prepare a list of work, the year it was created, the year it was sold, and the names of individuals who contributed to making the work

Schedule an appointment: 12:30 - filled, 1:30 - filled, 2:30 - filled

 

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ALAN SALZENSTEIN   -   SOLD OUT
DePaul University
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Disciplines: Music, and Theater

Alan Salzenstein is an arts administrator, educator, theatrical producer, consultant and attorney. At DePaul University he heads the Performing Arts Management Program in the School of Music and the MFA/Arts Leadership Program in The Theatre School. Previously, he was founding Executive Director for the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Executive/Managing Director of many Chicago-area arts organizations including Court Theatre, Apple Tree Theatre, Pegasus Players, Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace and Halsted Theatre Centre. Salzenstein has been a frequent guest speaker and moderator for various arts-related organizations and events, and holds board positions with the League of Chicago Theatres, Classical Kids Music Education, and the Association of Arts Administration Educators.

This consultation is ideal for emerging arts organizations, start-up arts organizations, emerging arts administrators and managers.

Expertise:

  • Organizational Development
  • Board Development
  • Finance
  • Fund Raising
  • Legal
  • Strategic Planning

Topics::

  • Organizational development for non-profits
  • Assistance with arts related contracts
  • Copyright protection
  • Board engagement and development
  • Mission, vision, and values development
  • Grant and proposal writing
How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:
  • Be prepared to discuss the following: What are your specific short-term (1-2 year) and long-term (3-5 year) goals? What makes your organization unique?  How do you briefly describe your organization?  How do others view your organization?  Who is your target audience and who are  your key stakeholders?  Who/What are your industry competitors?
  • Bring organizational marketing materials and most recent audit or financial statements, if available

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled, 11:30 - filled, 12:30- filled

 

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STEVE SCOTT   -   SOLD OUT
The Goodman Theatre
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Discipline: Theater

Steve Scott has been Associate Producer at the Goodman Theatre since 1987, and is a member of the Goodman's Artistic Collective.  He has directed over 150 productions at theaters including the Goodman, Northlight, Shattered Globe, Silk Road Theatre Project, and the Eclipse Theatre; he has served on advisory panels for organizations including the National Endowment for the Arts, the Illinois Arts Council, and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.  He is a member of the faculties of Act One Studios and the Theatre Conservatory of the College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.

This consultation is ideal for theater creatives of all sorts who are energetic, focused, passionate, ambitious, yet realistic, who need assistance with any aspect of theatrical production and organizational development. 

Expertise:

  • Organizational Development
  • Board Development
  • Artistic Production
  • Fund Raising
  • Strategic Planning 

Topics:

  • Non-profit theatrical producing
  • Resume and Portfolio Development
  • Job Search
  • Board Development
  • Fund raising

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Prepare to discuss what specific area of the theater is of interest and why
  • Bring a portfolio of work
  • Bring a resume of related training and experience

Schedule an appointment: 1:30 - filled, 2:30  - filled

 

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JOHN SISSON   -   SOLD OUT
John Sisson Photography / School of the Art Institute of          
Chicago
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Discipline: Visual

John Sisson is a Chicago-based documentary photographer with over 15 years of professional experience in photography, digital imaging, graphic design and strategic communications. He operates John Sisson Photography, a professional service specializing in documentary and promotional photography for arts organizations, theaters, filmmakers and visual artists working in performance, time-based media and installation.     John is also an Assistant Director of Career Development at SAIC. In this role, he assists artists and designers with professional development issues. This includes advising on job search strategy and marketing/self-promotion, including websites, portfolios, resumes, cover letters and artist statements.

This consultation is ideal for theater companies and performance artists looking for advice about marketing their work or artists looking for professional practice and career development advice.

Expertise and Topics:

  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Public Relations
  • Internet and Social Media
  • Professional Development
  • Assistance with self-promotion, website, resume and artist statement

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Think about how you would like to represent yourself and your practice
  • Prepare a summary of  projects you are trying to market
  • Bring any related marketing materials or plans
  • Bring a portfolio including: resume, sample cover letter, artists statement, and website
  • Bring any questions or materials related to your job search
Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled

 

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MELISSA STANLEY
ArtHouse Chicago Real Estate
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Disciplines: All

Melissa Stanley has 9 years of experience working in Real Estate and helping artists find the live/work space that fits their needs.   She is a regular presenter and vendor at the Creative Expo and has done extensive research to find the service providers that can help artist's find and purchase their perfect live/work space.

This consultation is ideal for artists looking to purchase or rent live/work or studio space in Chicago or individuals thinking of selling or renting existing live/work or studio space.

Expertise:

  • Real Estate Purchase
  • Space Development
  • Finance 

Topics:

  • Advice for artists who want to purchase or rent live/work or studio space
  • Assistance with developing a plan to create a space that does not yet exist

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Individuals should bring relevant financial information to help assess preparedness for moving forward with space development
  • Businesses should bring any applicable business information, records, or plans that impact decisions about space
  • Bring any preparation work already completed

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - available, 1:30 - filled, 2:30 - filled

 

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JUDITH WEST   -   SOLD OUT
Chicago Women In Publishing
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Discipline: Literature

Judith West is a seasoned writer-editor-researcher-trainer for print and web publications and marketing content. She’s also a ten-year audiobook production professional. She has taught and directed at Chicago-area universities, and performed, coached, scripted, and directed for a range of Chicago stage and studio productions. In these roles and as 2010 VP of Strategic Planning for Chicago Women in Publishing, Judith’s skills and experience continue to produce striking results.

This consultation is ideal for any creative writer, fiction or nonfiction, who would like to make a living with their skills while pursuing their art.  It is also ideal for any group or individual interested in pursuing a specific professional quality publishing enterprise or project, print or web based.  The session is also useful for publishers interested in presenting their publications for sale or promotion as audio books.  (This consultation is not intended for actors who wish to narrate audio books)

Expertise:

  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Organizational Development
  • Internet and Social Media

Topics:

  • Working in Chicago, publishing freelance or on-staff
  • Self-publishing and small independent publishing
  • The audiobook industry: publishing and production

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Prepare focused questions that narrow down what you want to know.  Please bring specific, not general, questions and familiarize yourself with the subject or area you would like to discuss in advance
  • Prepare a brief self introduction explaining pertinent  background, qualifications, experience and interests 
  • Bring a resume, articles or any other relevant material for discussion

Schedule an appointment: 11:30 - filled, 12:30 - filled, 2:30- filled

 

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AMY WISHNICK
Wishnick and Associates, LLC
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Disciplines: Music, Dance, and Theater

Wishnick & Associates, LLC has worked with a variety of nonprofit clients on projects aimed at identifying and maximizing strengths and setting and achieving goals. Projects include strategic planning initiatives, administrative and organizational assessments, board development, retreat and program planning and facilitation, and other projects that reflect a client’s particular needs. She is an astute listener and strategic thinker and asks the right questions to help clients uncover valuable opportunities in organizational and leadership development. Her current arts clients include the Chicago Artists Coalition, Same Planet Different World Dance Theatre, and Teatro Luna. Amy is the President of the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits in addition to numerous other volunteer activities.

This consultation is ideal for a board president or executive director of an arts organization who is in a decision making role and needs assistance with any aspect of organizational development, assessment, strategic planning, board development, capacity building, or conducting effective meetings.

Expertise:

  • Organizational Development and assessment
  • Board Development
  • Strategic Planning
  • Capacity Building
  • Recruiting and Hiring

Topics:

  • Counsel on capacity building and how to identify priorities
  • Assistance with board development
  • Assistance with staffing needs and hiring
  • Development and facilitation strategic planning processes
  • Conducting productive meetings

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Prepare: Identify the most significant organizational issues facing the organization. Prepare a detail of what has been done to date to address such issues and thoughts on why the issue is still in need of attention.   Be able to describe the organization's current capabilities with regard to addressing these issues.  Be comfortable sharing intimate details about the organization, the leadership (volunteer and staff), and the finances.
  • Bring by-laws, strategic plan (if available), and any other documents related to the topic being discussed.

Schedule an appointment: 11:30 - available, 12:30 - filled, 1:30 - filled

 

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ALISON ZEHR   -   SOLD OUT
Independent Arts Consultant
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Disciplines: All

Alison Zehr began her consulting career after many years of directing arts non-profits, including the Cultural Facilities Fund. She is a staff consultant for the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. Other current clients include a contemporary art museum, a small theater, a youth development agency, and a dance ensemble.  Projects include business plans, board, staff and audience development efforts, and mapping policies and procedures.

This consultation is ideal for leaders and staff of small and mid-sized arts organizations, with budgets under $10 million, who need assistance with organizational development, fund raising strategies, planning, facility planning and board development. 

Expertise:

  • Organizational Development
  • Board Development
  • Fund Raising
  • Strategic Planning

Topics:

  • Program and organizational evaluation and improvements
  • Assistance with decisions on growth and development
  • Increasing earned and contributed income
  • Re-branding and marketing
  • Strategic planning

How to prepare and what to bring to your appointment:

  • Prepare to identify specific issues or questions
  • Be prepared to specify what you wish to accomplish or have in hand by the conclusion of the session
  • Bring any materials that will help illuminate the problem or question

Schedule an appointment: 10:30 - filled, 11:30 - filled, 12:30 - filled

 

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