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Conference teaches artists to become entrepreneurs

North Central College's 16th annual Self-Employment in the Arts Conference will help aspiring artists learn to become successful entrepreneurs.

The conference begins at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, and ends at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Hilton Lisle/Naperville Hotel, 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle.

The SEA Conference provides educational resources to help aspiring artists gain entrepreneurial knowledge and skills needed to establish and maintain careers as independent artists. The conference features performances, workshops, panel discussions and activities tailored to actors, filmmakers, musicians, painters, sculptors, writers and other artists. Keynote presentations will be given by Dionna Griffin-Irons from The Second City and Tom Sharpe, drummer for Mannheim Steamroller.

Activities also include artist-led sessions, one-on-one mentoring sessions, round-table discussions, a juried college art competition, pitch competition, and opportunities for educators to share best practices.

Griffin-Irons will deliver a keynote address titled "Building the Unexpected in Your Business and Art" at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26. She is a writer, alumna of The Second City Detroit, and current director of outreach and diversity at the legendary comedy theater The Second City. She is a champion of empowering students, actors, women, inmates and professionals to own their "voice" and give themselves permission to play and be heard wherever they are.

Sharpe, drummer for the Grammy Award-winning Mannheim Steamroller, will present the second address, "Defining Your Artist Self," at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26. He is a sought-out performer and clinician, and the creator of his own group, the Tom Sharpe Ensemble. Sharpe's compositions have won many awards, including the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the Broadjam World Music Contest.

Visit selfemploymentinthearts.com for the full schedule and list of participating artists and entrepreneurs.

The registration fee for students is $119 for the full conference or $70 for one day. For others, the fee is $199 for the full conference or $110 for one day. Late fees apply for registrations after Friday, Feb. 12.

For information and to register visit selfemploymentinthearts.com or contact Amy Rogers, SEA director, at (630) 637-5468 or aerogers@noctrl.edu.

If you go

What: Self-Employment in the Arts Conference

When: 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27

Where: Hilton Lisle/Naperville, 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle

Cost: $119 two days, $70 one day for students; $199/$110 others

Info: (620) 637-5468 or selfemploymentinthearts.com

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