Graduate Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship

The Arts Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate is an online program designed for creative professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs eager to launch arts-related businesses or enhance existing ventures. This 12-credit hour certificate, completed through four seven-week courses, provides a comprehensive understanding of arts entrepreneurship, covering the history, social impact, and ethical considerations of the field. Students will learn to articulate a vision, develop business models, and gain expertise in leadership, management, marketing, and promotion. The program culminates in creating a professional pitch deck and presenting it at the Arts Entrepreneurship Annual Conference, offering students the chance to connect with potential investors and fellow entrepreneurs.

This graduate certificate is ideal for artistically minded individuals with innovative ideas who seek to build and develop their entrepreneurial plans. The curriculum provides the essential tools and direct experiences needed to launch new businesses or integrate unique ideas into existing organizations. A key focus is on diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasizing the broader social impact of arts entrepreneurship. Students will also engage with successful entrepreneurs, enhancing their learning with real-world insights and valuable networking opportunities.

Designed to foster a creative community, the Arts Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate supports the growth of arts startups, incubators, and other creative enterprises in Memphis and beyond. The program's mission is to combine creativity, artistic expression, and business acumen, equipping the next generation of innovators with the skills to succeed. Graduates will be prepared to bring their creative visions to life, driving forward-thinking change in the arts landscape.

Key program values include strategic thinking, tenacity, collaboration, community engagement, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. Students will gain a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial process, from developing and funding a business idea to formally pitching it to potential stakeholders. This program is open to individuals with a Bachelor’s degree or current UofM graduate students from diverse disciplines, all united by a shared entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for making a meaningful impact in the arts sector. With a focus on practical application and marketable skills, this certificate prepares you to turn creative ideas into successful arts ventures.