Summary of Steering Committee Meeting on 11/12/24
Mission Statement
The Minnesota Artists Guild strives to be the principal institution for Minnesota artists to find support through peer and mentor connections, access to resources, and exposure to continual growth opportunities.
Overview of potential Programming
Phase I
Connection Salons
Informal Connects
Mastermind Groups
Website Directory Profile
MAG-rag
Phase II
Professional Development
Industry Connections
Venue Shares
Venue Takeovers
Phase III (upon obtaining a permanent space)
Member Gallery Exhibitions
Art Festival
Communal Workspace
Live music and literary events
Member rental Opportunities
Tool and Equipment Library
Connection Salons
We did a more in-depth overview of what a Connection Salon is, since this is the cornerstone of MAG.
• Connection Salons are formal monthly meetings with your chapter. Chapter members serve as each other’s advisory board and sales team.
• Each member has the opportunity to address their team, state who they are, what they do, and most importantly, how their team can help.
• Members pass referral slips to the speaker
• Educational segments on business skills like writing an elevator speech, referral networking, asking for what you need, writing a good referral, mastermind groups, etc.
• Featured presenter gets a ten-minute spotlight on their work
• Follow-ups on previous referrals passed. Did you get business from it? Make a connection? Learn something new?
Survey Results and Alignment with Potential Programing
Of the approximately 90 respondents to our survey, we found that the biggest needs and challenges were as follows.
We then went through our potential programing to make sure we are aligned with artists’ needs. The results showed that we are on track to serve the majority of artists’ needs.
Short-term Rollout Timeline
JAN: First Meeting or Launch Party
First Connection Salon
Membership Goal: 20 metro
FEB: First Informal Connect
Directory Profiles are Established
MAG-rag is launched
Mastermind Groups Established
Membership Goal: 40 statewide
MAR: Venue Takeover Established
Venue Shares Established
Membership Goal: 55
APR: First Professional Development Event
Membership Goal: 70
MAY: Membership Goal: 85
First Year Membership Includes
Twelve Connection Salons
Twelve Informal Connects
MAG website directory profile
MAG-rag access
Discounted or free Professional Development Seminars (2-4 anticipated)
Discounted or free Industry Meet and Greets (2-4 anticipated)
Mastermind Groups
Venue Shares (booth fees not included)
Venue Takeover Opportunities
Membership Options
1st Option: Annual Membership $100
We spoke of the importance of having a membership fee to ensure commitment, but making sure that the amount is accessible to most. Though not firm, $100 / year has been suggested. Even if an artist only took advantage of the connection events, that averages out to $4.17 per event. At this price point, we will have to be sure we can raise most of our capital through fundraising, sponsorships, and grants to make ends meet.
2nd Option: Volunteer Scholarship
We don’t want any artist to be turned away for inability to pay. We would like to offer a set number of Volunteer Scholarships, where volunteer hours can be exchanged for membership.
3rd Option: Incubator Residency Grant
Heather has applied for a grant through the Andy Warhol fund. If won, we will be able to offer 40 visual artists in the seven-county metro area a full annual scholarship.
Open Floor for Feedback
-We talked about the importance of all members being committed to attend the Connection Salons and potentially offering incentives or rewards for doing so-There was a lot of excitement shown for the MAG-rag and all of it’s potential. Many suggestions here including tool-swaps, skill-swaps, job boards, and more.
-Another point of enthusiasm is the Tool and Equipment Library. We started brainstorming how we might be able to bring this to fruition before we have our own space in which to house it.
-Suggestions for professional development offerings were time management, and Q&A sessions with mentors and industry leaders
-Suggested that perhaps we have a monthly featured artist on our directory
Volunteer Opportunities
We wrapped up by talking about and signing up for volunteer opportunities. There will be an email/survey to solicit more volunteers sent out soon!
Heather’s Note
Thank you to all who attended and to all who showed interest but were unable to attend. I’m overwhelmed by the interest and enthusiasm shown by so many and I can’t wait to work with you all to bring this to fruition!