Two-day arts business workshop for Native artists to be held in Red Lake, Minnesota on January 16th and 17th, 2018 at Seven Clans Casino and Event Center

Red Lake, Minnesota -Native artists from the area will have the chance to delve into the world of art markets and culturally-relevant business strategies when they attend a professional development training sponsored by the McKnight Foundation.

In partnership with First Peoples Fund, a national Native organization committed to supporting and honoring Native American artists, 4-Directions Development will host a Native Artist Professional Development training session for local and regional Indigenous artists in looking to develop their skills, connections and business models.

The two-day training-which is completely free to artists-will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 and Wednesday, January 17th, 2018 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.at the Seven Clans Casino 10200 MN-89 in Red Lake, MN. Lunch will be served.

Advanced registration is encouraged at http://www.firstpeoplesfund.org.

At the two-day training, artists will learn how to market their art, set budgets and pricing structures, develop a business plan, and more.

"This training is a great way for artists at any stage in their career to start or expand an arts business, whether they are a newcomer unsure about the pricing of their art or a more experienced artist hoping to grow their customer base," said Jeremy Staab, Program Manager for non-profit partnerships at First Peoples Fund (FPF). "Everything we do is designed to honor and protect traditional and cultural values, while helping Native artists succeed and thrive as business people."

Sharon James, Executive Director for 4-Directions Development said, "The mission and values of FPF aligns perfectly with our mission and goals. We too strive for the uplifting of our Anishinabe artists who are helping to carry on our culture and traditions. Each of the artists we have been lucky to work with talk about their desire to share their knowledge and teach our youth what they have learned from their ancestors. As a member of the community and as business developers, we at 4-Directions understand the positive impact our artists have on the community. They not only share their knowledge, they also contribute to the growth of our local Tribal economy. First Peoples Fund partnership allows us to hire, pay and promote these artists to reach more of our community members and youth, as well as assist them to develop further as artists. If I were to pick just one thing about FPF, it would be their deep understanding of the various Tribal cultures and traditions. First Peoples Fund strives to learn and connect with each community they work with, thus providing what the community needs not just what an outside entity thinks we need. Having that understanding makes for a stronger partnership and more accurate efforts and strategies that positively contribute to our artists and our community."

For more information on the Native Artists Professional Development Training, call Jeremy Staab at 605-348-0324 or visit http://www.firstpeoplesfund.org.

Detail Summary

First Peoples Fund Native Artist Professional Development Training

Tuesday, January 16th 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

&

Wednesday, January 17th 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Seven Clans Casino Event Center – Red Lake

10200 MN- 89

Red Lake, Minnesota 56671

Register online at http://www.firstpeoplesfund.org

Members of the media are welcome to attend the training and interview participants on either day.