Founded in FoCo 2025: Full Schedule

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1:00pm MDT

Capitalism for Creatives: Leverage the System, Fuel Your Art SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT

Many creatives harbor a deep disdain for capitalism, viewing it as a barrier to their artistic success. However, what if capitalism wasn’t the enemy, but a tool to empower your creativity? In this session, we'll break down what capitalism truly means and how artists can use it to create sustainable, balanced lives. I’ll share practical strategies and examples of creators who have developed useful skills, made over $100,000 per year, and still preserved space for their art. You’ll leave with a new mindset and actionable steps to build a thriving career while protecting your creative passion.

Takeaways:

1. Reframe capitalism as a system to leverage, not fight.
2. Learn how to build lucrative skills that complement your creative work.
3. Discover ways to generate a sustainable income without sacrificing artistic integrity or time.

Target Audience: Creatives, solopreneurs, and freelancers looking to shift their mindset and improve their financial independence.

Speakers

Jake Jorgovan

Creative & Capitalist, Alpha Apex Group / Content Allies

Jake Jorgovan is a unique blend of creative and capitalist, combining his passion for art with his entrepreneurial drive. As the Founder of Alpha Apex Group, Content Allies, and Listen Network, he has helped B2B companies like Meta, Siemens Energy, and Gusto grow while generating... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Creative Track

Subject People, Solopreneur/Freelancers, Creativity, Mindset
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2:00pm MDT

Your niche in the Creative Ecosystem: Mutual Aid in our Artistic Landscape SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT

Prairie Sage 1

In the vast, ever-evolving world of music and creativity, the only myth is that we do this alone. Our session will invite participants to redefine what it means to thrive in the music ecosystem. Instead of viewing our journey as isolated individuals, we’ll explore the idea of becoming students of our creative landscape—understanding our roles and identifying the roles we need fulfilled. This session will embody the spirit of mutual aid: learning how to actively survey our resources, the people who possess them, and understanding the resources we can personally offer.

Imagine a scene where creative minds come together not just for individual success but to sustain a vibrant, interdependent music scene. We’ll delve into the power of collaboration, how to form lasting partnerships, and create networks that provide safe harbors for musical and artistic aspirations. Participants will leave equipped with the knowledge and actionable tools to co-create sustainable communities of support and opportunity in the arts.

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion where the goal isn’t just to play the right notes but to amplify each other's voices. By understanding our collective potential, we’ll contribute to a flourishing creative community that celebrates, uplifts, and sustains each member.

Speakers

Stephen Brackett

Trickster, Teacher, chain breaking consultant, Foundation Music School

Stephen Malloy Brackett, a proud Denver native, embodies the heart of artistic activism in Colorado. His journey from computer science student to philosophy graduate at Colorado State University laid the groundwork for a career that is equal parts creative and purpose-driven. As... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Creative Track

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1:00pm MDT

How to be a Wealthy Musician SEATS AVAILABLE

Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT

Prairie Sage 1

Using our Seven note Financial Scale, we provide financial literacy to the music community. Our mission is to show that no artist or anyone in the music business needs to give up their ambitions because of money. Built on our successful course taught at the University of Colorado Denver and shared with the community on our popular podcast, Musicians Tip Jar, we provide simple actions and solutions to manage and grow wealth as a musician.

Speakers

Chris Webb

Chris Webb Co-Founder, Musicians Tip Jar

Chris Webb is a Denver based musician who has successfully maintained a full-time career in music for over two decades. He owns the booking agency called "Colorado Professional Performers," teaches at the University of Colorado Denver in the music program and Co-founded Musicians... Read More →

Dave Tamkin

Musicians Tip Jar - Co-Founder, Musicians Tip Jar

Dave combines his collaborative management style with an energetic focus on networking and developing strategic partnerships. In 2009, Dave was instrumental in founding an online marketing agency, helping marketers and advertisers gain access to cleaner online traffic and enhanced... Read More →

Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Creative Track

Subject Finance/Accounting, Mindset, Growth, Strategy
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1:00pm MDT

Art is Not a Business SEATS AVAILABLE

Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:45pm MDT

Stage

Why is it so many artists/creatives resist creating business plans? Why do we dread engaging in marketing and sales? Why do we struggle to price our art? Because art, unlike business, is not "the practice of making one's living by engaging in commerce." But it's also not charity. Artists are not "poor businesspeople," we are just not traditional business people, and judging us by those standards keeps us in low-earning positions, stifles innovation, and pits us against each other. In this session, author and arts advocate Teresa Funke will lead the audience in a fast-paced, whine-free, out-of-the-box, open discussion of how we artists could potentially carve out a space for ourselves that operates somewhere between business and charity and redefines what "business success" looks like.

Speakers

Teresa Funke

Author, Arts Advocate, Community Catalyst, Owner Teresa Funke & Company, LLC

Teresa Funke is an author, speaker, blogger, playwright, part-owner of Blue Moose Art Gallery, and an arts and community catalyst. She is the founder and owner of Teresa Funke & Company, LLC and Victory House Press. She also owns and operates the Bursts of Brilliance® website, brand... Read More →

Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Stage 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Creative Track, Workshop

Subject People, Strategy, Creativity, Solopreneur/Freelancers
Format Workshop
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2:00pm MDT

Beat Writing Roadblocks: Utilizing a Writing Community, Finding Your Voice, and Publishing Your Work SEATS AVAILABLE

Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT

Prairie Sage 1

This session will focus on helping writers (from beginning to advanced) find and foster their own unique voice, write about their experience and get it out into the world. We'll talk about local support systems for writers, options for publication and promotion, and how to deal with the normal fears and roadblocks of writing your first novel, memoir, or article.

Speakers

Sarah Reichert

Director, Writing Heights Writers Association

Sarah Reichert (S.E. Reichert) is a writer, novelist, poet and blogger. She is the author of the Sweet Valley Series (nominated for the Colorado Book Awards in 2024) and is the Director and the Youth Coordinator of the Writing Heights Writers Association. Her work has been featured... Read More →

Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Creative Track

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3:15pm MDT

How to find, evaluate and secure a residency SEATS AVAILABLE

Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT

Lupine

Discover how to search for residency opportunities. Build your capacity to successfully apply for residencies without having to set all of your creative work aside. Develop high-quality descriptions to be able to convey a short bio, your personal philosophy, what inspires you, and why you are interested in the residency offered.

Speakers

Ashley Kasprzak

Partner for Purpose, Ashley Kasprzak Consulting, LLC

Ashley Kasprzak believes that creative people make our community more interesting and unified. Artists are as valuable to community as business leaders, professionals and service workers. They can benefit from residency programs and to often do not apply. Ashley wants to artists thrive... Read More →

Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Creative Track

Subject Strategy, Growth, Small & Medium Business, Creativity
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3:15pm MDT

Leveraging and Protecting Your Creative Work SEATS AVAILABLE

Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT

Prairie Sage 1

Whether you are a painter, performer, artisan or other type of creative entrepreneur, your original creative output is the lifeblood of your business. The creative expression in your work is your own intellectual property that can be leveraged, licensed, or protected to bring you profit and sustainability. This session, presented by Colorado Attorneys for the Arts (CAFTA), will cover the basic principles of copyright law and how it can be used to safeguard or harness your valuable creative assets.

Speakers

Meredith Badler

Deputy Director, Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA)

Meredith Badler is the Deputy Director at Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA). She enjoys making a positive impact in Colorado through creativity and community partnerships every single day. Meredith oversees all of CBCA’s programs, major events, research and trainings... Read More →

Brian Hanning

Hanning Law Ltd., Hanning Law

Brian Hanning is the attorney owner of Hanning Law Limited, a law firm serving Northern Colorado. Hanning Law is focused on assisting small businesses with their legal structure, contract, and intellectual property. Brian volunteers with Colorado Attorneys for the Arts and local Small... Read More →

Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Creative Track

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10:15am MDT

Writing Your Artist Statement! SEATS AVAILABLE

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Gregory Allicar Museum of Art's Robert W. Hoffert Learning Center [Offsite]

Calling all artists, writers, and creatives: emerging or established, mid-career or hobbyist!

Stumped by your artist statement? Don’t know where to start, what to say, or how long it should be? Have an existing statement that feels out of date or doesn’t accurately represent you or your work?

Discover the answers to these questions and more at Writing Your Artist Statement, an interactive workshop led by Madeleine Boyson, regional arts writer and editor.

Together we'll discover your work in your own voice, cover best practices, create new frameworks for statements, and build creative community in the process. Bring an existing statement or start from scratch!

Speakers

Madeleine Boyson

Arts and Culture Writer, Editor, + Communications Coordinator, Gregory Allicar Museum of Art

Madeleine Boyson (she/her) is a Denver-based writer, poet, and artist. She holds a BA in Art History and History from the University of Denver and makes her living as a communications professional, editorial coordinator, and arts writer.

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Gregory Allicar Museum of Art's Robert W. Hoffert Learning Center [Offsite] 1400 Remington StFort Collins, CO 80524

Creative Track, Workshop

Subject People, Growth, Communication Skills, Social, Creativity, Solopreneur/Freelancers, Networking
Format Workshop

1:00pm MDT

Arts & Culture Funding Landscape

Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT

Prairie Sage 1

The philanthropic climate for cultural organizations and artistic endeavors changed significantly during the pandemic and continues to shift. From general operating support to program grants, from government assistance to private foundations, this landscape is evolving as vital yet limited resources support arts, cultural and creative endeavors across the state. This dynamic panel conversation is a chance to speak directly to those funders. The discussion will highlight changes in funding priorities, new opportunities opening up, equity in arts funding and more.

Speakers

Meredith Badler

Deputy Director, Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA)

Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Creative Track

Subject Growth, Leadership, Creativity, Mindset
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2:00pm MDT

The Built-In Business Benefits of Social Justice SEATS AVAILABLE

Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT

Sand Lily

In a world that increasingly values social responsibility, businesses that actively embrace social justice initiatives not only contribute to meaningful change but also unlock a myriad of for their organizations. This fireside chat will delve into how prioritizing social justice can lead to innovation, enhanced community connections, and sustained growth. As entrepreneurs, nonprofits, startups, and creatives adapt to shifting societal norms, understanding the intersection of social justice and business can be a powerful tool for future-proofing their organizations.

Objectives:

Define Social Justice in a Business Context: Explain what social justice means for businesses and why it is crucial for modern enterprises.

Highlight the Business Case for Social Justice: Showcase tangible examples and data illustrating how social justice initiatives can drive innovation, improve employee morale, and enhance customer loyalty.

Encourage Connection and Collaboration: Foster a mindset among participants that values collaboration with communities and stakeholders to create a more equitable business landscape.

Provide Actionable Steps: Offer participants practical strategies for integrating social justice principles into their business models.

Speakers

Dr. Laura Borland

Founder of Dad-Ease, Dad Advocate, and Doctor of Social Work, Founder

Dr. Laura Borland, DSW, is a fatherhood advocate and founder of Dad-Ease, an ecosystem of solutions designed to promote parental parity. With a deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by dads, she strives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all parents... Read More →

Alana White

Architect and advocate, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Alana G. White is a program officer for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Michigan. In this role, she works in the foundation’s priority place of Michigan to support thriving children, working families and equitable communities. White is responsible for identifying... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Creative Track

Subject People, Strategy, Growth, Leadership, Communication Skills, NonProfit, DEI, Mental Health, Creativity
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3:15pm MDT

Cooperative Negotiation: how to get what you want by giving them what they want SEATS AVAILABLE

Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT

Twinberry Auditorium

Everything is a negotiation, but many of us don't get training in how to negotiate or practice doing it outside of situations with high risk. This workshop will illustrate some of the basic strategies for negotiation and provide low-stakes opportunities for participants to practice with each other. Once we know simple strategies like pausing, asking questions, and using I, you, and we to build connections, we can get better outcomes every time we negotiate. Through testing out these strategies and seeing how they work, you can shift your own communication techniques to more frequently get what you want while also making sure that your negotiation partners get what they want.

Speakers

Jenny Morse

Business Writing and Communication Expert, Appendance, Inc

Jenny helps professionals develop their confidence and credibility as business writers through her company Appendance, Inc, which offers corporate seminars and online courses. She has had the privilege of training employees at CoBank, Hunter Douglas, Adobe, Larimer County, Digicomm... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Creative Track

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Founded in FoCo 2025

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