What’s the Buzz about CREATE?

Keith S | February 19, 2014 | 0 Comments

Since its launch over a year ago, CREATE MSU Denver Virtual Incubator (CREATE) for creative entrepreneurs is quickly making a name for itself in the Colorado creative scene as being an emerging resource in helping artists and musicians with their business. CREATE gives us an in-depth look behind the scenes of their program as they kick off 2014.

Q: What is the CREATE MSU Denver Virtual Incubator?
CREATE MSU Denver is for the creative entrepreneur who is ready to turn their “Business into a Work of Art.” Each program is custom designed to develop and grow their business to the next level, whatever that might be. Our advisors meet with them virtually, one-on-one, on a monthly basis.

Meet the CREATE business advisors

Q: What does a “virtual” client mean?
This is what sets CREATE apart from other incubator programs. Our advisors meet with clients virtually (i.e. Skype, GoToMeeting, etc.), no matter where they live, allowing them more time to work on their art and less time driving to and from meetings.

Q: What do you offer to the creative community?
In addition to our virtual incubator program, we host open houses, exhibits, free webinars and networking events. Our latest project is the Own It Music Master Mind series in collaboration with Colorado Music Buzz Magazine, Guitar Center, Drum City Guitarland, and IPie launching March 2014. Local experts from the music industry are brought together to share their thoughts to a room full of budding artists and afterwards everyone is encouraged to attend the after-party networking event. We are always looking for ways to promote and enhance the arts and we want to become a hub for the creative industries here in Colorado.

Q: What kinds of business needs do you provide?
Based on one-on-one interviews with potential clients, we determine what aspects of the business they need assistance with. We provide guidance on areas such as marketing, accounting, and management, resulting in increased sales.

Q: How did CREATE start?
After attending the first Colorado Creative Industries’ Summit in 2012, we realized that we could offer a program tailored specifically to the creative entrepreneur and that it needed to be virtual, allowing us to help all creatives no matter their geographic region. The program would focus on the business needs of creatives as well as offer a free online Marketplace for them to sell their works. As with any new venture, we are continually making changes to enhance the experience. Currently, we focus on music and art (i.e. fine art, photography, sculpture, jewelry, etc.) industries, but we’ll be expanding into fashion and freelance writing in the near future with a goal of eventually assisting all creative entrepreneurs.

Q: Why creatives?
According to Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, who spoke at the September 4, 2013, Center for Innovation OWN IT concert, “The arts and culture community provide about a 1.7 billion dollar economic infusion into our economy locally.” Creatives are often individuals who are accomplished in their craft but need guidance when it comes to business. As with most artists, business is more than marketing and this is where we provide the additional components to allow their business to increase the Colorado economy.
Q: I heard that you’ve just become a part of the Colorado Creative Industries’ “Creative District Professional Advisory Network” (PAN). What is that?
It’s an honor to be listed as a resource to help cities and counties be recognized as creative districts in Colorado. “PAN members deliver customized technical assistance to the 14 communities based on the district’s needs assessment and goals. In this way, PAN members act as consultants to these communities.”

Q: What are your next steps? How is the future looking?
Our next steps are building awareness of the creative industries in Colorado. We want to become the business education hub for creatives. Our program continues to grow with each new client, and we’re excited to have added three new artists to our program in the last month. The future is an open canvas.

Q: Any success stories?
Yes, we have several success stories. Most recently, former client Amy Laugesen was featured in the 2014 Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale during the Nation Western Stock Show—and sold all of her pieces. Client Patricia Finley had three of her pieces selected by the jury for the Greater Castle Rock Art Guild’s show “On the Edge.” When Pat was asked what one of her goals was when she entered the program, she said that wanted to sell 10 times as much art as before. As of December 2013, she told our client advisor Kathy Beekman, “I have already achieved this goal.”

Q: How can someone get involved?
To learn more, check out our website CREATEmsudenver.com, watch our free webinars, and post your work onto the online Marketplace. We’re always looking for supports, sponsors, and partners. Call the office at 303-352-7274 to find out how to get involved.

CREATE Showroom
Metropolitan State University of Denver
890 Auraria Parkway
Student Success Building, Suite 120
Denver, Co 80204
Phone: 303-352-7274
Fax: 303-352-7376
E-mail: [email protected]

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