In an effort to empower local artists and performers, the Early Era Collective is hosting the Embolden Workshop this weekend at the Dougherty Arts Center. This two-day professional development event is designed to bridge the gap between artistic talent and business acumen, a need that has become increasingly apparent amidst recent cuts to arts funding.
The Embolden Workshop is an evolution of the community-centered educational work initiated by Early Era Collective through their podcast, Thoughts That Move. Co-founded by Daniel Broxton and Lauren Parra Faudree in 2019, the podcast explores the challenges faced by artists of color in Austin, advocates for change through education and dialogue, and highlights positive milestones within the community.
As part of the workshop’s agenda, the popular podcast will mark its return with a live recording, hosted by Broxton, on Friday night. This event serves as a precursor to Saturday’s centerpiece panel discussion, titled “Matching Talent With Business.”
The Saturday panel features professional artists, writers, and performers in various roles, including curators, artistic directors, and venue managers. Attendees can expect a deep dive into the essential skills needed to successfully run an artistic business, alongside insights into current trends shaping the arts industry. Panelists will also be available for questions, providing guidance on business and finance-related topics crucial for artists.
Stephanie Patrick, founder of Early Era Collective, emphasized the urgency of the workshop, pointing to significant cuts in federal and state arts funding. This instability is compounded in Austin by a city-wide arts department restructuring plan, which has left many artists feeling uncertain about their financial futures.
Reflecting on the programming, Patrick expressed her wish to have had access to such guidance when she was starting her career as a dancer and choreographer. To that end, she will lead a movement-based workshop titled “Tuning Your Instrument” that focuses on integrating physical activity into the lives of performers who spend long hours at desks. The workshop aims to help artists stay agile and avert injuries that can come from extended periods of sedentary work.
“I know the music side of the equation, but the business is a little difficult for me to figure out,” shares Greilis Salazar, a singer-songwriter from Venezuela who moved to Austin four years ago. Salazar is currently working on her debut Latina pop EP and recognizes the importance of understanding the business aspects of her craft.
She specifically attended the Embolden Workshop to learn about how to protect her work and navigate the industry. Salazar was not alone in her quest for knowledge; her collaborator, guitarist Spencer Ryan, also found the panels intriguing, particularly the discussions around sync licensing, noting that “my brain’s just going a million miles an hour” after attending.
The workshop featured local industry experts like Angela Lee from Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts, as well as Mike Tolleson, founder of the Entertainment Law Institute. Attendees had the chance to directly engage with these professionals, asking pressing questions relevant to the Austin music scene.
The momentum from this workshop feeds into a larger initiative by Austin Texas Musicians (ATM), which is committed to providing ongoing educational opportunities through its Musician Masterclass series. These sessions, held earlier at Pershing Hall, have covered vital topics like management, touring, and legal issues. Pat Buchta, CEO and President of ATM, believes that fostering education and connection will ultimately empower musicians to thrive in the business side of their careers.
Looking ahead, ATM plans to conduct similar panels quarterly, supplementing the learning process with their monthly Nightshift series at Radio Coffee and Beer—a casual setting for quick educational exchanges and networking opportunities between classes and conferences.
At the conclusion of a recent masterclass, Buchta engaged the audience by asking, “Who wants to learn more about this?” to which numerous hands shot up, revealing the enthusiasm and determination present among local artists to gain business knowledge.
Buchta reflected on the outcomes of such workshops, stating, “Out of these things we’ve seen sync deals happen, we’ve seen new bands form. It makes you realize that the industry and all the pros are here in Austin.”
The Embolden Workshop stands as a testament to the vibrant arts community in Austin and the pressing need for artists to not only hone their craft but also navigate the complexities of the business world effectively.
image source from：austinchronicle
