Development Program

Past trainings

Featured

Offered emerging curators insight into exhibition planning, artist collaboration, and writing curatorial statements grounded in equity and community.

Media & Storytelling Strategy

Guided by communications experts, this session helped artists craft compelling narratives, pitch their work, and navigate interviews and press coverage.

Contract Negotiation & Legal Basics

Led by arts attorneys, this workshop covered key contract terms, intellectual property rights, and how to advocate for oneself in professional agreements.

Financial Planning for Creatives

Provided tools for budgeting, managing irregular income, and setting financial goals tailored to artists and curators.

Branding & Professional Identity

Focused on developing a cohesive visual and narrative brand across portfolios, websites, and social media to enhance visibility and marketability.

A woman is handing a card to a man at a reception desk in a modern building, with glass walls and a staircase visible in the background.

A conference room filled with diverse people sitting at tables, a speaker standing, some attendees taking notes or photos, a panel of speakers at a head table, large windows letting in natural light, and presentation screens displaying visuals.

Two people sitting in a conference room, smiling and engaged in conversation. The woman on the left has short gray hair and is wearing a black top, while the man on the right has short brown hair, is wearing a dark blazer, and has a name tag reading

A woman with gray hair in dreadlocks, wearing a patterned jacket, speaking at a podium with a microphone, in a conference or meeting room with other attendees listening.

Women seated at a table with water bottles, a microphone, and papers, engaged in a discussion or panel, with a diverse group of women appearing attentive and speaking in a conference room.

Three people sitting at a panel discussion, smiling, with microphones and water bottles in front of them at a conference or event.

Two women sitting at a panel discussion or meeting. The woman on the left is elderly with white hair, glasses, and large hoop earrings, wearing a black top. The woman on the right has short dark hair, glasses, and is wearing a colorful patterned jack

Two women sitting at a panel discussion, with one woman speaking into a microphone and gesturing, and the other woman sitting beside her, listening. A water bottle is on the table in front of them.

A man with a beard and shaved head giving a presentation in a conference room. He is holding a remote control and gesturing with his hand.

A woman sitting at a registration desk in an airport, handing her boarding pass to a man wearing a backpack and a white beanie. The scene takes place in a bright, modern terminal with large glass windows.

Two people, a man and a woman, engaging in a handshake and conversation in an indoor setting. The man has short brown hair and is wearing a blue checkered blazer. The woman has braided hair, gold jewelry, and is dressed in a black and white striped o

A diverse group of people attending a panel discussion or conference in a modern high-rise building with large windows showing a city skyline. There is a woman speaking at a podium with a presentation slide that reads 'FLOURISH' and 'ACCELERATING DIV

A diverse group of people attending a conference or seminar, sitting around tables, some with hands clasped and others with notepads and drinks, in a well-lit room with large windows.

A woman with braided hair in a bun, wearing large black glasses and gold jewelry, is smiling and talking at a conference or meeting. She is sitting at a table with water bottles and a microphone in front of her.

Three women standing closely together in an office setting, smiling and posing for the camera. The woman on the left has dark wavy hair and is wearing a black top with statement earrings. The woman in the middle has curly hair, wears a gray button-up

A woman with short, gray, curly hair sitting at a table speaking into a microphone, smiling, and wearing earrings and a light-colored sweater. There are other people in the background.

Two people, a man and a woman, smiling and dancing together at an indoor event, with other guests in the background.

Let’s Connect

Questions About the development program?

Whether you're an artist, curator, or community partner, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out with questions, ideas, or opportunities to collaborate—we’re here to support and grow Chicago’s creative future together.

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