We offer affordable professional development workshops for creatives and arts administrators.

Tuition is waived for those facing financial hardship. Contact us to request a scholarship. Our webinars use Zoom’s automated captions (also known as live transcription) feature. For in-person workshops, American Sign Language interpreters and other reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

For Creatives

BUSINESS EDGE

This series is designed to increase the business savvy of our region’s artists. New offerings will be announced soon.

RECORDKEEPING FOR FREELANCERS AND SELF-EMPLOYED CREATIVES
Sept. 27, 9:30 to 11:00 AM
High Low Listening Room, 3301 Washington in Grand Center
This recordkeeping workshop is for creatives of all disciplines who receive fees, grants, and other business income. We’ll explain why accurate recordkeeping is important, show you how to keep track of your income and expenses, and review the most common Schedule C deductions. (Your $10 registration fee may be tax-deductible!) Getting organized now will streamline your tax preparation and ensure that you don’t pay more than you really owe. This workshop is highly recommended for creatives who have received Regional Arts Commission artist support grants. VLAA Executive Director Sue Greenberg is the presenter.

ANATOMY OF A CONTRACT
Nov. 15,9:30 to 11:00 AM
High Low Listening Room, 3301 Washington in Grand Center
Although many of us prefer to conduct our business on a handshake, vague verbal agreements can result in ugly mis­understandings. Attorney Keona Blunt will provide negotiation tips and cover contract basics. We’ll also examine a sample agreement.

SHOW ME MEDIATION
Dec. 1, 5:00-6:30 PM
Metro Theater Company, 3311 Washington in Grand Center
Mediation works. We’ll show you! Mediation is well suited for resolving arts-related disputes because it addresses relationship issues (like trust, respect, fairness and friendship), procedural issues (like how decisions are made), and substantive issues (like money). See for yourself! We’ll present a lively demonstration and send you away with skills that will make you a more effective communicator. Mediator and WashU School of Law lecturer James Reeves is our presenter.

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CLINICS

LLC CLINIC

Nov. 1, 9:30-11:00 AM
High Low Listening Room, 3301 Washington in Grand Center
Whether you’re thinking about forming a limited liability company or already have one, find out if this business structure really is for you. An attorney will cover all the basics, including how to establish and run an LLC, operating agreements, when you can be held personally liable and how LLCs are taxed. Twenty-minute consultations with lawyer-accountant teams will follow.

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COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARK CLINIC

Spring 2025
High Low Listening Room, 3301 Washington in Grand Center
Do you have pressing questions about copyright or trademark? An attorney will present the basics. Twenty-minute one-on-one consultations with volunteer lawyers will follow the presentation.


For Organizations

ACCIDENTAL ARTS ADMINISTRATOR

Oct. 21 and 22, 4:00-6:30 PM
Metro Theater Company, 3311 Washington
This two-session seminar is co-presented by the Missouri Arts Council and the Regional Arts Commission. The first session covers working with a board of directors, marketing, fundraising, and financial management. Participants receive a 75-page manual. Wednesday’s interactive, jargon-free session will help you develop an approach to planning that answers your organization’s big questions and enables your staff and board members to think and act strategically. Learn together! Tuition is $20 plus $5 for each additional person from the same organization who attends. Sorry, no discounts for attending just one session.

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QUICKBOOKS BASICS FOR NONPROFITS

Fall 2025

This hands-on two-day training, hosted by Anders CPAs + Advisors, are for arts administrators and volunteers who are new to QuickBooks Online. You’ll be introduced to bookkeeping basics and learn the most essential QuickBooks tasks. You’ll also receive friendly one-on-one coaching. Free parking will be available.

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