Beltline Business Ventures: Artist Edition Grads Unlock New Career Tools

Earlier this year, the Atlanta Beltline Business Solutions Office teamed up with TILA Studios to launch the City’s first artist accelerator program aimed at equipping area artists with the skills needed to land sculptural public art projects around the globe.

The pilot, which served as an extension of the Beltline’s existing Business Ventures program, took 15 artists from across disciplines on a 9-week journey where they learned how to sharpen the tools needed to live from their craft, including developing portfolios, conducting project research, and navigating contract negotiations.

For program creator and TILA Studios Executive Director Tiffany LaTrice, the accelerator couldn’t have come at a more important time.

“As the city transforms to welcome more global businesses, artists need to be positioned to have opportunities that they are prepared for,” said LaTrice at the program’s kick-off. “I am grateful that the Atlanta Beltline not only views artists as entrepreneurs but is investing in their growth to accelerate their career in and beyond Atlanta."

The hybrid learning sessions were led by experienced public artists, including Fulton County’s Public Art Program Manager Alex Francombe, former Atlanta Beltline Artist Ellex Swavoni, and prominent sculptor Tony Loadholt.

Along the way, artists were encouraged to network with their facilitators, learn and connect with each other, and reflect on how the information shared can help take their practice to the next level.

“[This program] exceeded my expectations,” wrote artist Hill Williamson. “I was expecting to learn and connect with other artists, but I learned more than I thought I would... I made real connections and gained concrete knowledge that I can use and share with others.”

At the end of the nine-week period, the artists were broken into groups to respond to and present a mock RFP proposal, sharing ideas they had for public art pieces that could go along the Beltline corridor. The final pieces celebrated the Beltline’s dedication to sustainable living while honoring Atlanta’s contributions to the environmental justice movement.

Looking back on the experience, the first cohort had nothing but positive things to say, with 100% of participants saying it met and exceeded their expectations.

“I am so grateful to have been a part of this program,” said Alana Wicker. “It has changed the trajectory of where my life is going by opening up new opportunities, meeting other creatives, and giving me a roadmap towards success.”

As the Beltline looks to the future, we'll also take the lessons learned from our inaugural cohort to ensure we’re doing the best we can to help area artists and entrepreneurs succeed not only locally but also on a global scale. To learn about future art entrepreneurship opportunities with the Beltline, please reach out to bbvarts@beltline.org.