Events + Workshops
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Open Doors Residency: Linda Carney-Goodrich, U-Meleni Mhlaba-Adebo, and Magdalena Gómez
Three acclaimed poets, Linda Carney-Goodrich, U-Meleni Mhlaba-Adebo, and Magdalena Gómez, join forces in a spoken word performance that weaves together stories of identity, resilience, and joy. Their collaboration invites audiences to reflect on origins and build community through art.
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.
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: 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: 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Click here to register!
BIPOC Professional Development: Self-Care
The BIPOC Self-Care Seminar equips participants with holistic, culturally resonant self-care practices to promote wellness and resilience, especially in times of upheaval and oppression. By exploring self-care’s historical roots, defining personal needs, nurturing physical, mental, and social wellness, and maintaining advocacy even during difficult global events, participants gain tools to sustain balanced, fulfilling lives within a supportive community.
This workshop is hosted by Sarah Pacheco and run by AAC partners Midday Movement.
Click here to register!
Gallery Representation
Join Paige Roehrig, Executive Director, and Nina Mollo, Associate Director of the Copley Society of Art, as they share their experience working with both Boston artists and galleries.
Interdependence: Community Care as Burnout Response
Feeling overwhelmed and burnt out? Join us for an insightful event on how community care can be a powerful response to burnout. Learn practical tips and strategies to prioritize self-care and support each other in times of need. Come together with like-minded individuals to discuss and share experiences. Let's build a supportive community that uplifts and empowers each other. See you there!
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!
Fostering Relationships with Galleries and Museums
This is a 2-part series. Artists are asked to attend both sessions.
Gallery and museum relationships are in the midst of a big shift. Access to certain gallery and institutional opportunities seem at once more open and more siloed. In this workshop artists will learn how to seek out and build relationships with gallerists and curators, as well as best practices for communications and the expectations and etiquette of moving through curatorial consideration.
Each session will be a lecture format with 30 minutes for Q&A at the end.
Suitable to 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!
Show biz: Independent Production & Collaboration Between Performers and Producers
This is a 2-part series on November 3 and November 5 from 6-8 pm each day. Artists are asked to attend both sessions.
Do you have an idea for a performance you would like to bring to life? In this workshop, performer Daniel Callahan and producer Mrs. Nerissa Williams Scott will discuss the financial, logistical, and administrative aspects of producing a show with a focus on the creative collaboration between artist and producer.
Participants will leave with strategies for independently producing a live performance. Topics will include goal setting, audience engagement, fundraising, budgeting, marketing, communicating with venues, and hiring a production team. This workshop will take the form of presentation + Q&A.
Daniel Callahan is an award-winning transmedia artist, designer and filmmaker. In addition to running his own multimedia production company and art practice, he has taught film and video at Emerson College and The Institute of Contemporary Art.
Mrs. Nerissa Williams Scott is a seasoned professional in the world of live performance, film and media arts, currently serving as the CEO/Owner of TCGT Entertainment, is a faculty member at Emerson College in the Business of Creative Economy Department, and serves as the Treasurer of the Secret Society of Black Creatives in Boston, MA. She is the producer of the hit show Come on In Live: Starring Daniel Callahan.
Suitable to 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!
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 live, interactive workshop—held via Zoom—will provide you with the essential knowledge for impactful leadership, covering board structures, fundraising and strategic planning, member roles, responsibilities, and legal obligations. You’ll also receive tools to identify the organization that best aligns with your skills and passions.
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!
Artist Residencies 101
Curious about artist residencies? In this workshop, we will go over different art residency models and what they have to offer, from artist communities to DIY and micro-residencies. We will discuss how to assess whether you are in the right season of your life and practice to apply, what residency model makes the most sense for you, and navigating residencies as a full-time worker or caregiver. Participants will leave with resources on where to find open calls, funding opportunities, and application dos and don’ts. This workshop will be discussion based and artists should come ready to journal. There will be time for Q&A.
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!
Grant-Writing
Join us for an informative session on grant-writing hosted by Dunamis and the Arts Action Consortium. Whether you're a seasoned grant writer or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to hone their skills and secure funding for their projects. The event will be held at 15 Channel Center St, so mark your calendars and come ready to learn!
Free Physical Therapy Screenings for Artists
The Artistic Athlete Health Collective (AAHC) is partnering with the Arts Action Consortium (AAC) to offer free 15-minute wellness screenings for artists of all disciplines. Each session includes a quick assessment by a licensed physical therapist, 1–2 personalized exercises, and guidance on self-care or referral if needed. A supportive, accessible way to check in with your body and keep you moving strong. Pre-registration required. All ages and body types are welcome, and screenings will be held at the Cultural Equity Incubator, an ADA accessible space. Must be 18 years or older.
Click here to register!
Opportunity Fund Grant clinic
The City of Boston Opportunity Fund is a project-based grant of $3,000 to individuals who are presenting creative, community-centered experiences in Boston’s neighborhoods. Funds may support all or part of a confirmed project that is publicly accessible, offers a clear community benefit, and is entirely free to participants and audience members. Applicants are encouraged to share how their work promotes inclusion, representation, and shared cultural experience. Learn more here!
The Arts Action Consortium is offering 20 minute sessions for you to ask questions, have your application reviewed, or talk through your ideas!
Session Times:
Thursday, October 9: 10 am - 4 pm and 6 pm - 8 pm
Tuesday, October 14: 10 am - 4 pm and 6 pm - 8 pm
Sign Up Below!
Navigating Institutions
Come join us for an engaging event where we'll discuss the ins and outs of navigating institutions in the arts world. Whether you're an artist, curator, or simply curious about how institutions operate, this event is for you! Join us at 15 Channel Center St for a day filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and maybe even a few surprises along the way. Don't miss out on this chance to connect with like-minded individuals and gain valuable knowledge about the art world.
“Project Management” with Ana Tinajero
Get an introduction into the basic building blocks of planning, executing, and monitoring a project, no matter the size.
“An Introduction to Cooperatives in the Arts” with Daniel Park
In this workshop, 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.
Business Essentials for Creative Entrepreneurs: Contract and Negotiation Best Practices
What is a contract? Are there things it must include? Do I need a lawyer to write or negotiate it for me? A contract exists when participants come together to exchange goods and services for compensation. A written contract is a valuable tool for any creative business. Contracts take all shapes and sizes, but the best contract is the one that all parties understand and that meets all parties’ business needs. Whether you routinely use contracts in your creative practice or you’re new to it, this workshop is for you!
“Project Planning for Dance Artists: The FAQs You Didn’t Know To Ask” with Marissa Molinar
Through a combination of lecture, journaling, and small group conversation, workshop participants will learn how to use research, time management, and other simple systems to encourage spaciousness, responsiveness, and joy in our projects.
“Understanding an Artist’s Personal Finances” with Amy Smith and Akeem Davis
In this workshop, stage performers and tax specialists Amy Smith and Akeem Davis bring a class- and race-based analysis of our economic structures and dive into the financial building blocks necessary for artists to thrive
Business Essentials for Creative Entrepreneurs : Legal Entities for Creative Workers.
Whether you’re a new art school grad or a seasoned veteran, managing the business of your creative practice can be overwhelming, and maybe even a little scary. In this workshop, we aim to take some of the mystery out of being a small business owner by introducing you to basic, common legal entities. We’ll discuss traditional business structures—sole proprietorships, corporations (including benefit corps and co-ops), and limited liability companies (LLCs)—the advantages and disadvantages of each, and general formation and maintenance requirements. Artists and creatives of all experience levels and creative disciplines are welcome!
"Power of Websites" with Jessica Burk0 (Day 2)
You are more than social media. While socials are the place for dialogue and networking, having a dedicated website for your work is essential for comprehensively presenting your art and your story. 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. With planning and preparation, you can make a powerful home to showcase your work, and yourself, in a way that engages viewers and increases opportunity. A vibrant, user-friendly, and visually dynamic website is what makes you stand out from all the rest and increases cross-platform engagement.
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.
The Art of Social Change
This workshop introduces movement ecology, social change roles, and civic engagement, empowering you to make a difference as both an artist and a citizen.
"Power of Websites" with Jessica Burko (Day 1)
You are more than social media. While socials are the place for dialogue and networking, having a dedicated website for your work is essential for comprehensively presenting your art and your story. 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. With planning and preparation, you can make a powerful home to showcase your work, and yourself, in a way that engages viewers and increases opportunity. A vibrant, user-friendly, and visually dynamic website is what makes you stand out from all the rest and increases cross-platform engagement.
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.