About the Arts Entrepreneurship Certificate
Knowing how to market your art is invaluable, whether or not you intend to start your
own business. That’s why this interdisciplinary program, a collaborative effort between
the Department of Music, Department of Theatre and Dance and Department of Visual Arts is tailored for anyone interested in an artistic career.
The arts entrepreneurship certificate program allows students to learn business skills
and take classes that align with their creative interests.
Every arts entrepreneurship student completes courses and an internship in their area
of emphasis — music, visual arts, dance or theatre.
Any student who has been admitted to the University of Wyoming and is interested in
working with artists in any field is encouraged to apply.
A certificate may be pursued on its own or in conjunction with any university degree program.
What can you do with an arts entrepreneurship certificate?
Knowing how to run a successful business and promote your art — regardless of medium — opens the door to many different career paths. An arts entrepreneurship certificate equips you with practical skills in marketing, budgeting, branding and project management, empowering you to launch your own creative venture, freelance, consult or take on leadership roles in arts organizations. Whether you’re an artist, performer, designer or writer, this certificate helps you turn your passion into a sustainable and impactful career.
Some job titles our graduates pursue are:
- Freelance musician
- Studio owner
- Producer
- Professional actor
- Graphic artist
- Music teacher
- Small business owner
- Web designer
Here are some of the places UW graduates are making an impact:
- Apple
- The Stella Adler Studio of Acting
- TIAA
- Self-Employed
- Circus Smirkus
- University of Oklahoma
- TrainingPeaks
- Wyoming PBS
No, no degree is necessary. The arts entrepreneurship certificate can be completed alongside any UW degree or on its own.
You can turn your creative talents into a business in many ways. Whether you're a
visual artist, performer or digital creator, there are countless paths to build a
career doing what you love.
Here are just a few types of arts-based businesses you can start:
- Freelance services (design, photography, illustration)
- Online shops (handmade goods, prints, digital downloads)
- Performance groups (theater companies, bands, dance troupes)
- Art galleries or exhibition spaces
- Creative agencies (branding, video production, marketing)
- Workshops or online classes
- Content creation (podcasts, blogs, YouTube channels)
- Fashion or costume design
- Community or public art projects
- Creative tech startups (apps, games, tools for artists)
Launch your creative career
The arts entrepreneurship certificate program goes beyond traditional performance and teaching skills to equip students with the tools they need to create sustainable careers in the arts. Courses include guest speakers, interviews and internships to help build professional portfolios and prepare students to jumpstart their business.
"My thoughts have changed immensely since the beginning of the semester. For starters, when we started this course, I was quite nervous of the work ahead and unsure how it would even help my career. I am incredibly glad that I chose to take this class, however, because I created an EPK and website that puts me out in the public eye and gets me an early start on my career! Prior to taking this class (alongside pedagogy), I figured I would really only do one thing, and that was get one or more orchestra jobs. After completing these courses, I have found that being a freelance musician is more than just gigging and that I will likely start a studio and teach lessons. I had originally joined this class because I needed more credits, but overall this is arguably the most beneficial class I have taken so far."
- Music Performance Student | Flute
