Business skills training, career development, workshops, and mentorship - all in one program.

Artists need the work habits that would allow any entrepreneur or small business owner to succeed in his/her field. Good time management. Solid record keeping and sound financial management. Effective self-promotion and professionalization of your brand. Telling a good story and being heard. Knowing how to write a contract. CATAPULT is all about helping you to be purposeful and organized about the business side of your artistic practice.

Over an 8-week period, CATAPULT participants receive training in fundamental entrepreneurial skills like business modelling, marketing, branding, financial planning, and exporting. Guest speakers and facilitators for the CATAPULT workshops are drawn both from the business and professional art community. Participants also receive one-on-one coaching from the program coordinator and formal mentorships from individuals operating at the top of their field.

WINTER 2024 SESSION (SAINT JOHN/ONLINE)

February 3 - March 24

TUITION & FEES

PROGRAM COST: FREE (with artslink membership)

Tuition for Catapult participants is generously subsidized by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Canada Council for the Arts and by the Province of New Brunswick.

• Tuition fees cover all programming, program materials and meals during the training sessions. Out-of-town participants are responsible for any travel and accommodation expenses.

ELIGIBILITY

New Brunswick-based artists or groups/collectives working in any discipline are welcome to apply for CATAPULT. Program participants must be a member of ArtsLink NB (if not already a member, enrol online at www.artslinknb.com). 

Qualifications

CATAPULT candidates must have:

• The time to commit to this intensive program. Attendance is mandatory at all weekly sessions (2022 and 2023 sessions will be held on Friday evenings and full-day Saturdays). Research and planning may be required between sessions.

• Intention to commercialize and turn their creative practice into a full time career.

• Willingness to participate in peer group discussions, share and receive honest feedback, advice and support.

CURRICULUM

Entrepreneurship

Hands-on learning and intensive training in business topics like:

• Business modelling

• Marketing & branding

• Financial planning

• Exporting

CAREER DEVELOPMENT FOR ARTISTS

CATAPULT is specifically designed for artists and creative entrepreneurs. We also cover topics like:

• Balancing commercial and creative sides of an artistic practice

• Developing professional networks in the arts

• Building a full-time arts career in New Brunswick

• Writing contracts and knowing your rights

GUEST SPEAKERS

Guest speakers and facilitators for the CATAPULT workshops are drawn both from the business and professional art community.

Mentorship

Participants are matched with a mentor in their field for a one year mentorship, complete with funding for mentorship pairs to visit each other, attend workshops together, or travel together.