Project for Empty Space is excited to share that we are part of a coalition of artist-centered peer organizations across the country who are collaborating to provide FREE professional development workshops for artists and cultural workers! These programs are run by CreativeStudy, a lauded organization that has been working on artists' professional sustainability for several years. Programs will focus on navigating tax prep and rules; understanding issues around intellectual property; working with commercial galleries, and pitching your work for fiscal support.
The coalition includes: 3Arts, Artadia, Baxter St at CCNY, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, The Laundromat Project, the Core Residency Program at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Jerome Foundation, Queer|Art, Trellis Art Fund, and YoungArts.
Artists and creatives from all disciplines are welcome to ask questions and engage the speakers in discussion. Learn more and register below.
Everything Artists Need to Know About Filing Taxes in 2025! with Hannah Cole, Enrolled Agent and Founder, Sunlight Tax
Thursday, March 13 | 5 - 6:30 pm
Are you ready for this year's tax deadline on April 15, 2025? Join us for an in-depth presentation and Q&A by tax expert Hannah Cole of Sunlight Tax. She’ll get you ready for the upcoming tax deadline by answering all of your tax-related questions whether you are freelance, W-2’d, or a combination of the two. Based on her years of experience working with creative individuals and being an artist herself, she understands the unique circumstances surrounding creatives’ taxable income, budgets, expenses, Schedule Cs, and yearly versus quarterly filings.
During this 90-minute interactive webinar, she will translate the basic tax equation, explain self-employment tax and the estimated quarterly tax system, and discuss adjusting your estimated tax payments. Whatever is stressing you out is fair game for questions. While her answers will not constitute tax advice, she will provide recommendations and best practices to the group. A question and answer period will be open to all in attendance.
Understanding The Power of Your Intellectual Property with Jessica Lee, Partner, Advance Media & Technology, Loeb & Loeb
Thursday, June 5 | 5 - 6:30pm ET
When an artist makes work, ownership and financial implications are tied to more than just the physical object/s. In her videos on CreativeStudy, attorney Jessica Lee outlines the legal rights of artists, with a focus on intellectual property. She talks us through the bundle of rights included in copyright and the value artists and designers have in their work—whether or not an object is sold.
During this 90-minute interactive webinar, she will discuss trademarks, copyrights, and licensing in the age of AI. Jessica will use her ongoing experience negotiating and protecting intellectual property on behalf of artists and designers to answer questions. She will not provide legal advice. A question and answer period will be open to all in attendance.
Working With Commercial Galleries with Sammetria Goodson, Founder & Managing Attorney, Goodson Law
Thursday, September 11 | 5 - 6:30pm ET
Drawing from her experience representing both artists and galleries, Sammetria Goodson will discuss the concepts, best practices, and mindsets that empower artists in their relationships with commercial galleries. Whether you are currently represented by a gallery, or aspire to have representation in the future, this session will address the key things you need to know as you manage relationships and grow your career in a healthy way.
During this 90-minute interactive webinar, Sammetria will discuss how to begin working with a commercial gallery on fair and equitable terms. She will point out the common mistakes made by artists when agreeing to representation. Sammetria will also highlight some of the red flags to look out for, and give examples of what you can do if your relationship with a gallery takes a turn for the worse.
Pitching Your Work for Support with Paddy Johnson, Founder of VVrkshop and Holly Shen, Director, US, Lord Cultural Resources
Thursday, November 13 | 5 - 6:30pm ET
Drawing from her experience representing both artists and galleries, Sammetria Goodson will discuss the concepts, best practices, and mindsets that empower artists in their relationships with commercial galleries. Whether you are currently represented by a gallery, or aspire to have representation in the future, this session will address the key things you need to know as you manage relationships and grow your career in a healthy way.
During this 90-minute interactive webinar, Sammetria will discuss how to begin working with a commercial gallery on fair and equitable terms. She will point out the common mistakes made by artists when agreeing to representation. Sammetria will also highlight some of the red flags to look out for, and give examples of what you can do if your relationship with a gallery takes a turn for the worse.
Sammetria will offer best practices, not legal advice. A question and answer period will be open to all in attendance.
About CreativeStudy
CreativeStudy is a resource designed to help you navigate the business that’s crucial to successful creative careers. Our speakers explain the ecosystem of funding, finance, law, and more in a way that's approachable, non-judgmental, and applicable to creatives and freelancers who often find themselves torn between producing their work and managing the business side of their careers. Our mission is to provide an inclusive platform where a diverse group of artists, freelancers, and creative professionals learn tangible skills, are directed to relevant resources, explore options for sustainability at all stages in their careers, and feel the support of a diverse community.