The Artisans Initiative

Fine Arts/Tech Services Bureau | Arthandlers Training Program | Artisans Initiative

BCADC is pleased to announce the Artisans Initiative, a program designed to provide earned income opportunities and training to Bronx crafts artisans as well as underrepresented artisans of the Diaspora. It is our goal to cultivate a viable cultural and economic asset within our communities by providing these artists with marketing and valuable small business training. We will create a marketplace to sell their original products, and encourage entrepreneurial activities by this special group of craftspeople. We believe that artisans are ARTISTS and should be respected as such.

Folk Art & Artisans:

We define these works of art as originating among the common people of a given nation or region and such work reflects the traditional culture of that area. These can be 'everyday' or seasonal festival items produced by unschooled artists. Artisans and folk artists are people that create works such as handmade jewelry, leather goods, pottery, textiles, and clothing to name a few.

Target Group:

Our main focus is Bronx artists creating work in hand crafted contemporary and traditional art including immigrant and/or refugee communities residing in the Bronx and the artists that use their art to perpetuate and preserve cultural practices. We strive to encourage the use of one's culture as an asset and a tool for community empowerment. We will determine eligibility for participation based on the quality of the craftsmanship and the individual's desire to pursue their interest in their craft. We intend to provide the services and programming necessary to maximize the impact of the economic and cultural assets of these fine additions to our neighborhoods. We believe technical support, loan and grant opportunities, marketing via traditional means as well as e-commerce, can help them improve the quality of life for all involved.

Schedule:

We will tailor our services to match your needs, with pre-and post Marketplace Marketing workshops throughout the year.

Career Development:

Participants will be offered small business management counseling and pre-marketplace marketing workshops to ensure merchant productivity. BCADC coordinates community based services and functions as market developers to assist participants in launching independent careers as entrepreneurs.

Criteria:

To be considered for the program, candidates must be or be descendant of immigrants/ refugees; create original works/contemporary crafts that he/she is willing to sell; be willing to participate in or be represented at marketplace events; be able to produce enough products to sell; participate in pre-marketplace workshops.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

Mar 12 / 6:00-8:00pm / Free Artist Tax Workshop / Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos
Artist Tax Workshop – This workshop is provided to give artists an understanding of the tax law as it pertains to self employed artists. After the workshop you should have an understanding of how to track your expenses and income and what you need to do to file your taxes as an artist. Hostos is located at 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street and is easily accessible by the #2, #4, and #5 IRT Trains. Click here for additional directions. RSVP to Lisa Curran at 718-931-9500 x21 or lisa@bronxarts.org. For information on ARIVA and the services they provide, call 718-292-2983. Click here for a printable flyer.

Mar 22 / 10:00am–4:00pm / Artist Tax Day / ARIVA
Artist Tax Day – ARIVA, a non-profit organization focused on financial literacy and tax preparation services, continues to demonstrate its commitment to self-employed artists in the Bronx by offering free tax preparation to artists who live in the borough. In cooperation with the Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA), ARIVA has designated Saturday, March 22, 2008 as “Artist Tax Day”. On that day, volunteers specially trained in the tax issues pertinent to artists will be available to prepare tax returns for qualified individuals. There is no charge for this service, and no appointments are necessary. Those taking part in this program need to bring with them: (1) Proof of identification and Social Security card for everyone being claimed; (2) W2 or 1099 forms for all work paid for in 2007; (3) If claiming child care expenses, documentation and child care provider tax ID number; (4) Any other tax related documentation received. If you have small business revenues and expenses related to your work as an artist, please bring all documentation, including bank and credit card statements and receipts with you when you want to have your taxes prepared. Note: Spouse must be present for joint filings. ARIVA’s tax preparation program is geared to residents with an annual income of $40,000 or less for a household. Those unable to participate on March 22nd can come to ARIVA’s Tax site during regularly scheduled tax preparation hours: Monday through Thursday, 4:00pm–7:30pm, and Saturday from 10:00am–4:00pm. ARIVA is located at 69 East 167th Street, 2nd Floor (corner of Gerard Ave) in the South Bronx and can be contacted at 718-292-2983. The nearest subway stop is the 167th St stop on the 4 train and the 167th St stop on the B/D train. Click here for printable flyer.

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