Q: Who is Eligible to Apply to The IAE?
The IAE is a two-year post-graduate certificate program open to actors, musicians, dancers, visual artists, writers, film makers, photographers, culinary artists and fashion designers. We have no age limit for our program although we believe the majority of our students will fall between 20 and 40 years of age. Our program is also open to self-taught artists who can demonstrate they are working at a professional level. If you do not have an undergraduate degree, our only requirement is proof that you have been working artistically at a professional level.
Q: How much time will I spend in school?
Our curriculum offers students over 750 contact hours and is comprised of 6 modules. Each module consists of one full week of class (Wednesday through Sunday), and 4 15 hour weekends (Saturday and Sunday). We offer 30 hours of mentorship which is tailored to meet the needs of each student as they work through each of our six modules. Our program is divided into Fall (September – December), Winter (January- March) and Spring (April-June) Terms.
Q: Can I Work Full Time and Attend The IAE?
If you need to work full time while you attend The IAE it would be possible to do so. Our academic calendar is set up so that you will miss only 9 days if you work a traditional Monday through Friday work week.
For each of us, our individual experience shapes who we are and who we become as artists and as people. What type of person you do aspire to be? What school is addressing the topics that you find relevant? What school produces results that are in line with your interests? What do you want to do and who do you want to become? Will the schools you are considering assist you towards that end?
With any school you consider, ask them this question: "What makes your school different and what makes you necessary?" If a school struggles to answer this question or provides a cookie-cutter response, take pause and consider what they are really offering.
Did your previous arts education provide you with the skills you need to be competitive in the market? Have they prepared you with the necessary tools to stand out and effectively separate yourself from the herd to compete as an artist? Did they teach you how to understand your market and look for possible gaps? Did they teach you about the realities of the market, such as how to find funds and to handle money? Most importantly, did your previous education teach you how to make a sustainable living from your skills?
Q: What are the benefits of attending The IAE?
There are many benefits for attending IAE's two-year program. Through the process of learning how to self-produce your own work, you will learn how to:
- Develop leadership skills through service to others
- How to translate your creativity in meaningful ways to others
- Learn how to build your original creative vision as a team and as an individual
- Perceive gaps within your community
- Work to fill those gaps, creating a niche business in the process
- Develop and utilize your professional networks
- Create your own marketing plan and business development strategy
- Budget and learn how to wisely allocate money
- Raise money for your creative ideas
- Ethically learn to profit from the creation of your original work
Q: Do I need entrepreneurial experience to enter the program?
If you have a serious passion for independence and a desire to remain in your artistic field, we will work with you to build up your skills from scratch so that you can meet the demands of life as an arts entrepreneur. Similar to the uniqueness of your own artistic discipline, entrepreneurial development can take many shapes based on market demand, your own interests and the opportunities that present themselves to you in the marketplace. Similar to the intensity with which you have applied yourself to develop your artistic discipline, our program is designed to help the development of your entrepreneurial skills take root and begin to grow.
Q: What credentials do I need to enter the program?
If you have completed an undergraduate program, or have training of notable distinction, in theater, music, visual arts, dance, creative writing, film, photography, fashion or design, regardless of your age, you are welcome to apply. We accept individual artists as well as small ensembles into the program. Creative development has no age limit. It is never too late to invest in yourself and commit to something new.
The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. The Institute does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other Institute administered programs and activities.
Q: Do you offer student loans?
We do offer loans for start-up capital through Gorilla Tango Financial. Please call The IAE for more information or to request a credit application.
Q: Do you offer housing?
At this time, the Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship does not offer housing. We are happy to recommend an assortment of reputable apartment finding services at no cost which may aid you in your search.
Q: Do I have to live in Chicago to attend The IAE?
As long as you can attend class, you do not. However, it is highly recommended you be within a reasonable driving distance to ensure your full participation.
Q: Are you ready to take the next step?