Events + Workshops
AAC Bi-Weekly Office Hours
Office Hours are offered on a bi-weekly basis and are an open virtual space led by rotating consortium members. These drop-in sessions provide a platform for peer-to-peer learning, as well as access to individualized support. These hourlong sessions can be used in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:
AAC services questions
Resource mapping
Real time grant feedback
Project thought partnership
Website, resume, and artist statement review
Quick follow up from previous AAC consultations
Upcoming Office Hours
Every other Wednesday from 12-1 pm
April 29
May 13
May 27
June 10
June 24
Click here to learn more and register!
Crowdfunding for Artist Projects
In this workshop, Laura Christenson will guide participants through the process of preparing and running a successful crowdfunding campaign, from setting funding targets, to identifying potential backers, to sharing your campaign with the world.
Best suited for artists of all disciplines. 100 participants max.
Assets for Artists workshops are open to artists in MA, CT, RI, and ME. As part of the Arts Action Consortium Boston artists receive priority access to all A4A workshops.
Click here to register!
Open Doors Residency: Matthew Lau | New Model Asian
New Model Asian is an interdisciplinary work combining percussion, live electronics, and generative visuals to explore identity and representation. Matthew Lau and collaborators challenge norms and celebrate diversity through a groundbreaking sonic and visual experience.
Get your tickets here!
Accessibility note: There is a ramp at the Sanctuary entrance (351 Boylston St). Email eliza@bloomartsstrategy.com with any accessibility questions.
Self Producing Act 1- Planning
This workshop, led by Andrea Sala, will be focusing on the pre-planning phase of your project. We will work through elements like producing timelines, creating a budget, marketing strategies, where does the money come from, creating and reading through different types of contracts and building your dream team. This working will also provide you with examples/templates of each element that we as a group will work through together. The goal is to be able to work through all these elements while keeping your "guiding light" at the center of the work.
This workshop is hosted by AAC partners Midday Movement.
Click here to register!
Self Producing Act 2- showtime
This workshop, led by Andrea Sala, will be moving into the production side, the "doing" side, of your project. We will look at production timelines, venue types and what to look for when picking a venue, ticketing, schedules for production and performance, how to communicate with your design team, documentation of your work, and many more! As a group, we will walk through a process from first rehearsal to final bow, keeping your "guiding light" at the center of the work.
This workshop is hosted by AAC partners Midday Movement.
BCA Martin Hall is ADA accessible with automatic doors and elevators available. Please contact eliza@bloomartsstrategy.com with any concerns or questions.
Click here to register!
Nonprofit Inc. Seminar
Are you a leader of an existing nonprofit organization or have an interest in creating a new one? Do you have questions and concerns about incorporating and/or filing for tax-exempt status? All nonprofit start-ups are invited to attend this legal seminar for nonprofits, led by experienced nonprofit attorneys. In this online classroom (using the Zoom platform) we will assist your organization in understanding the complicated processes of formalizing a nonprofit in Massachusetts by addressing questions regarding:
For-Profit or Not-for-Profit?
What is a Not-for-Profit?
Incorporating & Structuring the Not-for-Profit
Option of Fiscal Sponsorship
State Reporting & Regulation
Federal Tax Exemption
Ongoing IRS Reporting & Regulation
This workshop is hosted by Luke Blackadar and run by AAC partners Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston.
Click here to register!
Open Doors Residency: Black and Bold Presents: Rhymes and Reckonings
Zakiyyah presents her first-ever live event combining immersive activations with the powerful impact of music, the essence of civic engagement, and the thought-provoking innovation of a TED talk. Come experience sounds from her debut album, African Import, and explore an event where the arts and changemaking come alive!
Get your tickets here!
Accessibility note: There is a ramp at the Sanctuary entrance (351 Boylston St). Email eliza@bloomartsstrategy.com with any accessibility questions.
Legal Issues with Generative AI
In this session covering generative AI in the arts, attorneys and staff from the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts will present an overview of the current generative AI law landscape. Presenters will summarize the law on AI as interpreted by the U.S. Copyright Office and the federal courts today, and explain the arguments and positions in some of the major pending lawsuits. This presentation is appropriate for artists in all creative disciplines.
This workshop is run by AAC partners Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston.
Click here to register!
Accessibility Notice: We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, contact the department listed in the “Contact Info” pane on the right of the BPL’s webpage. Please allow at least two weeks to arrange accommodation.
Open Doors Residency: Mar Parrilla | Brasa/Ember
With Brasa/Ember, Mar Parrilla presents an evening-length dance theater work that integrates movement, live music, and ritual to explore memory, resistance, and ancestral knowledge.
Get your tickets here!
Accessibility note: There is a ramp at the Sanctuary entrance (351 Boylston St). Email eliza@bloomartsstrategy.com with any accessibility questions.
Using Generative AI in your Creative Practice
While you may be skeptical of generative artificial intelligence (and justifiably so!), there are a variety of ways creative professionals use it in their practices. Ideation, visualization, prototyping, conceptualization, or even just staying organized are just some of the ways artists use AI to keep their creative practices going strong. In this workshop, local artists will discuss some of the ways they’ve used AI in their own practices.
This workshop is run by AAC partners Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston.
Click here to register!
Accessibility Notice: We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, contact the department listed in the “Contact Info” pane on the right of the BPL’s webpage. Please allow at least two weeks to arrange accommodation.
Open Doors Residency: Free Pile Productions Presents: The Living Room
Inspired by the founding of the GLBT Historical Society, which archives the possessions of people who died of AIDS in the 1980s, The Living Room is an evening-length musical that employs Free Pile Productions' signature blend of the heartfelt and absurd to tenderly explore grief, memory, and love through puppetry, music, and crankies (illustrated panoramic scrolls).
Get your tickets here!
Accessibility note: There is a ramp at the Sanctuary entrance (351 Boylston St). Email eliza@bloomartsstrategy.com with any accessibility questions.
Open Doors Residency: Mercedes Escobar presents LATIN AMERICANA
Guatemalan singer-songwriter Mercedes Escobar brings her bold Latin Americana style to the stage, blending blues, country, and Latin traditions. Performing bilingually, she creates a musical space where cultures converge in a fresh and authentic sound.
Get your tickets here!
Accessibility note: There is a ramp at the Sanctuary entrance (351 Boylston St). Email eliza@bloomartsstrategy.com with any accessibility questions.
Open Doors Residency: Kalliope Reed Quintet | Cañas sin Fronteras Album Release Concert
Celebrate the release of Kalliope Reed Quintet’s new album, Cañas sin Fronteras, featuring works by living composers from across the Americas. This concert highlights cultural diversity and the evolution of the reed quintet through bold, contemporary sounds.
Get your tickets here!
Accessibility note: There is a ramp at the Sanctuary entrance (351 Boylston St). Email eliza@bloomartsstrategy.com with any accessibility questions.
Artist Residencies 101
Curious about artist residencies? In this workshop led by Yasmine Ameli, we will go over different art residency models and what they have to offer, from artist communities to DIY and micro-residencies.
Suitable for artists of all disciplines. 25 participants max.
Assets for Artists workshops are open to artists in MA, CT, RI, and ME. As part of the Arts Action Consortium Boston artists receive priority access to all A4A workshops.
Click here to register!
An Introduction to Cooperatives in the Arts
In this workshop led by Daniel Park, participants will learn about the fundamentals that define cooperatives and how they differ from other types of collectives, explore case studies of cooperatives in the arts and culture sector, and brainstorm how a cooperative could meet their needs and the needs of their communities.
This is a two part workshop taking place on April 1 + 2 from 6:00-7:30 pm each day.
Suitable for artists of all disciplines. 50 participants max.
Assets for Artists workshops are open to artists in MA, CT, RI, and ME. As part of the Arts Action Consortium Boston artists receive priority access to all A4A workshops.
Click here to register!
Protecting your Art from AI
In this workshop, attorneys and staff from the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts will introduce some tools and best practices to protect your creative works against AI data mining.
This workshop is run by AAC partners Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston.
Click here to register!
Accessibility Notice: We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, contact the department listed in the “Contact Info” pane on the right of the BPL’s webpage. Please allow at least two weeks to arrange accommodation.
Staying Authentic While Marketing Your Work
In this workshop led by Daniel Callahan, participants will learn strategies and apply practical know-how to promote themselves and their services with excellence and authenticity in both in-person and online spaces.
This is an introductory level marketing course best suited for visual and media artists. 50 participants max.
Assets for Artists workshops are open to artists in MA, CT, RI, and ME. As part of the Arts Action Consortium Boston artists receive priority access to all A4A workshops.
Click here to register!
Free Physical Therapy Screenings
The Artistic Athlete Health Collective and the Arts Action Consortium are hosting a focused afternoon of free physical therapy screenings for performing artists at the BCA in Boston’s South End.
Whether you're managing an ache, recovering from a strain, or simply want expert eyes on your movement, this is a chance to check in — without cost being a barrier.
Click here to sign up for a slot!
Care in Action: AAC Community Drive
Join AAC for an evening of community in action as we break bread, enjoy performances by Zakiyyah and Kasa Taiko, and assemble care packages for communities in need. In times such as these, the tangible work of supporting and uplifting our communities is more important than ever.
Click here to RSVP!
Networking & Personal Branding
MIDDAY Marketing Manager, Asia Pyron will lead a workshop in basic branding and marketing development for individual artists. Come explore design apps that make it easy to start finding a unique style to your work. We will also discuss how to network in a new community/city and maintaining relationships.
This workshop is hosted by AAC partners Midday Movement.
Click here to register!
Open Doors Residency: J. Andrés Ballesteros | Five Suns
Five Suns retells an ancient Aztec myth of creation and rebirth through music and narration. This multidisciplinary work combines storytelling and ensemble performance to celebrate Mesoamerican culture and spark curiosity about its rich traditions.
Get your tickets here!
Accessibility note: There is a ramp at the Sanctuary entrance (351 Boylston St). Email eliza@bloomartsstrategy.com with any accessibility questions.
Artists’ Legacy Planning – Nonprofits & Me
For some artists, their creative legacy includes continuing important community service, stewardship, or advancing some other charitable goal. In those cases, founding or aligning with a charitable nonprofit might be appealing. In this session, we’ll discuss how creative nonprofits can be part of your legacy plan. (And no, the nonprofit doesn’t die at the end.)
Presented by Luke Blackadar, Deputy Director, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston, Inc.
This workshop is run by AAC partners Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston.
Click here to register!
Open Doors Residency: Ryan Casey | Mother Tongue
"Mother Tongue" is a rhythm tap performance that celebrates language and diversity through movement and sound. Set to a soundtrack featuring female vocalists singing in multiple languages from around the world, the show immerses audiences in a lively, non-Anglicized experience that highlights rhythm as a universal language.
Get your tickets here!
Accessibility note: There is a ramp at the Sanctuary entrance (351 Boylston St). Email eliza@bloomartsstrategy.com with any accessibility questions.
Boards aren’t scary + we can prove it!
Serving on a nonprofit board offers a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change, and organizations are seeking individuals like you to help them thrive.
Learn to leverage your expertise to support the causes that matter most to you. Ideal for professionals seeking the right organization, administrators looking to strengthen board management, and those onboarding new or prospective board members.
This workshop is run by AAC partners Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston.
Click here to register!
Select the “Emerging Creative Professional” option for a free ticket!
Non Profit Inc. Seminar
Are you a leader of an existing nonprofit organization or have an interest in creating a new one? Do you have questions and concerns about incorporating and/or filing for tax-exempt status? All nonprofit start-ups are invited to attend this legal seminar for nonprofits, led by experienced nonprofit attorneys. In this online classroom (using the Zoom platform) we will assist your organization in understanding the complicated processes of formalizing a nonprofit in Massachusetts by addressing questions regarding:
For-Profit or Not-for-Profit?
What is a Not-for-Profit?
Incorporating & Structuring the Not-for-Profit
Option of Fiscal Sponsorship
State Reporting & Regulation
Federal Tax Exemption
Ongoing IRS Reporting & Regulation
This workshop will be held using the Zoom platform.
This workshop is run by AAC partners Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston.
Click here to register!
Lunch and Learn: Insurance 101
Chris Hawthorne of Cleary Insurance will review what artists should consider when setting up their insurance program both commercially and personally as well as where to purchase policies. He also will discuss what to consider when using independent contractors for installations.
This workshop is run by AAC partners Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston.
Click here to register!
Intro to Taxes for Artists
Led by Akeem Davis, this workshop will cover the basics of taxes for artists, including separating personal and artistic finances, Schedule C filing, self-employment versus employment, and tracking deductions.
Suitable for artists of all disciplines. 100 participants max.
Assets for Artists workshops are open to artists in MA, CT, RI, and ME. As part of the Arts Action Consortium Boston artists receive priority access to all A4A workshops.
Click here to register!
Open Doors Residency: Aníbal Cruz Concert
Cuban pianist and composer Aníbal Cruz blends son, rumba, and Afro-Cuban rhythms with global sounds in an intimate concert that celebrates connection and evolution. This performance offers audiences a personal journey through Cuban musical traditions infused with jazz and world influences.
Get your tickets here!
Accessibility note: There is a ramp at the Sanctuary entrance (351 Boylston St). Email eliza@bloomartsstrategy.com with any accessibility questions.
Power of Websites
Whether you have an existing site or you’re developing one for the first time, this workshop covers essential principles of design, organization, and usability for boldly sharing your work with the world.
Best suited for 2D & 3D visual artists. This workshop is focused on design principles and user experience, and will not cover the nuts and bolts of online sales, SEO, or the logistics of webhosting. 40 participants max.
Assets for Artists workshops are open to artists in MA, CT, RI, and ME. As part of the Arts Action Consortium Boston artists receive priority access to all A4A workshops.
Click here to register!
Essentials of Digital Marketing
In this workshop, Francesca Olsen will cover the basics of digital marketing for artists, including the importance of branding, audience building, effective social media, SEO optimization, and website best practices.
Suitable for all artists who already have a basic understanding of social media. 100 participants max.
Assets for Artists workshops are open to artists in MA, CT, RI, and ME. As part of the Arts Action Consortium Boston artists receive priority access to all A4A workshops.
Click here to register!
Cultural Organizing for Artists
This workshop led by Shey 'Rí Acu' Rivera Ríos will present participants with various ways in which artists can collaborate with local organizations, municipalities and other partners, in projects that strengthen the well-being of our communities and build more robust cultural ecosystems.
Suitable for artists who are interested in incorporating community-based work and/or cultural strategy into their creative practices. 25 participants max.
Assets for Artists workshops are open to artists in MA, CT, RI, and ME. As part of the Arts Action Consortium Boston artists receive priority access to all A4A workshops.
Click here to register!
Intro to Activism
How do we channel our love, rage, confusion, hope, and more lived experiences into grounded and continuous activism? What historical examples can inspire and inform our work as artist-activists? Rooted by mica's eight years of organizing artist collectives, mutual aid, and solidarity movements in Boston: this workshop is a place to share lessons, unpack questions, and practice skills for winning the world we all deserve. Participants will leave with tools for learning from movement ancestors, strengthening interpersonal relationships, and nurturing your role in the revolution.
This workshop is run by AAC partners Midday Movement.
Click here to register!
Non Profit Inc. Seminar
Are you a leader of an existing nonprofit organization or have an interest in creating a new one? Do you have questions and concerns about incorporating and/or filing for tax-exempt status? All nonprofit start-ups are invited to attend this legal seminar for nonprofits, led by experienced nonprofit attorneys. In this online classroom (using the Zoom platform) we will assist your organization in understanding the complicated processes of formalizing a nonprofit in Massachusetts by addressing questions regarding:
For-Profit or Not-for-Profit?
What is a Not-for-Profit?
Incorporating & Structuring the Not-for-Profit
Option of Fiscal Sponsorship
State Reporting & Regulation
Federal Tax Exemption
Ongoing IRS Reporting & Regulation
This workshop will be held using the Zoom platform.
This workshop is run by AAC partners Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston.
Click here to register!
Art of Licensing
In this workshop led by Allison Cole, participants will learn about the industry of surface design and art licensing, and discover how artists can get their designs on a wide variety of products by partnering with different companies.
Best suited for visual artists. 30 participants max.
Assets for Artists workshops are open to artists in MA, CT, RI, and ME. As part of the Arts Action Consortium Boston artists receive priority access to all A4A workshops.
Click here to register!
Beyond Arts Grants: Creative Solutions for Project Support
After this introductory-level workshop with Yara Liceaga-Rojas, participants will better understand how they can define the work they are already doing as a fundable project, how to talk about that work with stakeholders, how to integrate care practices when developing a project, and tips for securing the necessary funding.
This workshop runs January 13, 20, and 27, 2026.
Suitable for artists of all disciplines. 25 participants max. Assets for Artists workshops are open to artists in MA, CT, RI, and ME. As part of the Arts Action Consortium Boston artists receive priority access to all A4A workshops.
Click here to register!
Intro to Budgeting and Bookkeeping
In this virtual workshop, MIDDAY Director Marissa Molinar will guide participants through basic practices to create and stick to a personal and/or professional budget, as well as basic bookkeeping. This workshop is for freelancers and solopreneurs, as well as for anyone leading multi-person projects or early-stage organizations.
This workshop is run by AAC partners Midday Movement.
Click here to register!
Artists' Legacy Planning - Copyright & IP Aspects
Copyright lasts a long time. For many creatives, the copyright in their works might last multiple lifetimes before it enters the public domain. This is why it’s so important for artists and creative workers to include copyright as part of their legacy plan. Who has the power to use, enjoy, publicize, and distribute your creative works? In this session, we’ll discuss the copyright (and other IP) considerations in building your creative legacy.
Presented by Luke Blackadar, Deputy Director, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston, Inc.
This workshop is run by AAC partners Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston.
Click here to register!
Intro to Taxes for Artists
For decades, Amy Smith has prepared taxes for artists, taught financial well-being workshops, and coached artists one on one. This workshop will cover the basics of taxes for artists, including separating personal and artistic finances, Schedule C filing, self-employment versus employment, and tracking deductions. This workshop will have a particular eye toward artists’ current financial challenges and helping artists navigate updates to tax law. It will not cover specifics of quarterly estimated taxes.
Suitable for artists of all disciplines.
Suitable for artists of all disciplines. Assets for Artists workshops are open to artists in MA, CT, RI, and ME. As part of the Arts Action Consortium Boston artists receive priority access to all A4A workshops.
Click here to register!
Resource Mapping for Individual Artists
Oftentimes the most difficult part of being an artist is finding the skills, tools, and connections needed to make your work and share it with the public. In this workshop, participants will begin by surfacing the resources already at their disposal in their larger personal network and consequently outline the pathways to reach the resources not yet secured. Using a collaboratively-minded strategy to resource sharing and exchange, artists will learn how to navigate their surroundings, leverage existing connections, and build a broader community of mutual assistance that nurtures win-win relationships and shared success. Artists at all stages of their careers welcome.