Microgrant Recipient: Alara Arts Ring Hosts the First Event “The Entrepreneurship Path”

Last month, an ARAD microgrant-supported event, “The Entrepreneurship Path,” led by Alara Arts Ring, was successfully conducted at Teachers College. Read more below to learn about the project and the meaningful conversations that took place!

On April 19, 2024, Alara Arts Ring successfully hosted its inaugural event, “The Entrepreneurship Path,” at Teachers College, Columbia University. This one-night panel event, organized by co-founders Lavender Gai, Rachel Guo, Amanda Han, and Alvin Wang, was dedicated to fostering conversation about entrepreneurship in the arts. The event aimed to empower artists, curators, performers, and arts administrators with the knowledge and networks necessary to navigate the opportunities of the art market.

Distinguished Speakers and Engaging Discussions

“ArtStart” brought together a select group of distinguished speakers who are founders of a nonprofit, a gallery, a fashion brand, and a performing organization. The esteemed guest speakers included Klaudia Ofwona Draber, founder of KODA; Nigel Campbell, Artistic Director and co-founder of MOVE|NYC|; and Rebecca Taylor, an independent strategist and educator.

• Klaudia Ofwona Draber shared her journey of founding KODA, a social practice residency for mid-career artists, and her extensive experience in leading arts, technology, and strategy projects across Europe, Africa, and the United States. Her insights into curatorial practices and her role in mentoring at ArtTable and New Museum’s NEW INC provided valuable perspectives on interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Nigel Campbell discussed his path as a Princess Grace Award-winning Artistic Director and Entrepreneur. He emphasized the importance of diversity and equity in the dance field, sharing his experiences co-founding MOVE|NYC| and his tenure as Artistic Director of Gibney Center. His advice on building sustainable careers in dance resonated deeply with the attendees.
• Rebecca Taylor offered her expertise in arts and culture strategy, drawing from her leadership roles at prominent institutions like MoMA PS1, The Museum of Modern Art, and The J. Paul Getty Trust. Her ongoing doctoral research in Art Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, and her teaching experiences provided a comprehensive view of the contemporary art business landscape.

Event Highlights and Impact

The event began with sharing their own stories and experiences, followed by an interactive Q&A session where attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers. The discussions spanned various topics, including the challenges of building a sustainable career in the arts, strategies for effective networking, and the evolving landscape of the art world.

The networking session that followed allowed participants to connect with each other and the speakers, fostering an environment of collaboration and support. The commitment of Alara Arts Ring to empowering the arts through community engagement was evident throughout the event.

Mission and Future Plans

At Alara Arts Ring, our mission is to bring together and foster creativity, dialogue, and interdisciplinary collaborations within the arts administration sector. Through events like “ArtStart,” we aim to bridge gaps between different disciplines, enhance understanding, and inspire innovation. We strive to provide a dynamic platform for arts administrators, artists, and professionals to connect, discover opportunities, and share ideas.

The successful execution of “The Entrepreneurship Path” stands as a testament to the dedication of Alara Arts Ring in fostering a vibrant and inclusive arts community. We are actively preparing for our next event, which will focus on the global art market and career pathways, offering visa and career guidance for international students. Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming events, which will be announced on our Instagram account @alaraartsring.

Alara Arts Ring is proud to have created a transformative experience with “The Entrepreneurship Path,” ensuring that attendees left with valuable insights and connections that will drive their careers in the arts forward.