The Business of Art event

In an evolving artistic world, many artists don’t realize the importance of incorporating entrepreneurial skills into their craft. A balance of creative vision and business savvy is essential to any artist’s success in today’s industry.

In an effort to further explore the topic of business and entrepreneurship in art, the Wayne State University College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts (CFPCA) is sponsoring a panel discussion, The Business of Art.

During this event, Wayne State University alumni and community members will hear various points of view from a group of interesting and engaged experts in the field on how to market themselves, seize small business opportunities available to artists and interpret the importance of entrepreneurship in the arts.

These experts, all alumni of WSU, have years of experience and valuable advice to offer on this subject. The panelists include:

Adriel Thornton (Moderator)  - Adriel is the music and production director for Detroit Electronic Music Festival (DEMF) and the founder of events production company, FreshCorp. He is a part of Detroit’s vibrant creative scene and is well-known as an influencer and thought leader.

April Boyle - April is the Director of Small Business Initiatives at D:hive. An artist (lead singer of the all-mom band The Mydols) and entrepreneur (founder and partner of pop-up supper Club Komodo Kitchen), she lives the artist/entrepreneur life and teaches it as well.

Brent Smith – Brent is half of the critically acclaimed hip hop duo Passalacqua and a member of rap group Cold Men Young. He is a recipient of the Kresge Arts in Detroit Fellowship and has developed many eclectic and creative methods to promote his artistic pursuits.

Dominic Arellano - Dominic is the executive director of Forward Arts and through his non-profit he develops opportunities for artists. His resume is long and includes affiliations with Detroit Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Symphony Orchestra and The Greening of Detroit.

Jocelyn Rainey – Jocelyn is a dean of instruction at Wayne County Community College District. A painter and a sculptor, she is also the founder of Finding Mona Lisa 313, Found Art in Odd Places 313, and JRainey Gallery.