Get Inspired With An Arts Entrepreneurship Certificate

Ready to bring your creative dreams to life?

Welcome to UW’s arts entrepreneurship certificate program. Where students learn important business skills and kickstart their creative careers.

The arts entrepreneurship program goes deeper than other entrepreneurship certificates because students can choose which area of the arts to focus on. Whether you’re passionate about music, theater, visual arts or dance — you’ll graduate with marketable skills and experience.

The best part? You can pursue an arts entrepreneurship certificate alongside any degree or on its own. 

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. 

Dancer performing "The Nutcracker"

Orchestra

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.

Professor working with student on a laptop

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.

Arts Entrepreneurship Careers

Some job titles our graduates pursue are:

  • Freelance musician
  • Studio owner
  • Producer
  • Professional actor
  • Graphic artist
  • Music teacher
  • Small business owner
  • Web designer

 

Student standing in front of drawing

Here are a few 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
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Arts Entrepreneurship Certificate Program Highlights

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.

Experienced Faculty

Our faculty members have successful careers in the arts. Many of them have additionally started their own businesses — giving them real-world experience to use when teaching and advising students.

A few notable faculty members include:

Dr. Nicole Riner (Visiting Assistant Professor, Flute and Entrepreneurship)
Ashley Hope Carlisle
(Professor, Sculpture)
Landee Lockhart
(Assistant Lecturer, Acting)

Internships

Every arts entrepreneurship student completes an internship in their field. Internships give students hands-on experience so they graduate with marketable skills and knowledge.

 

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.

- Student, Music Performance (Flute)

Contact Us

We're Eager to Help!

Department of Music

University of Wyoming

1000 E. University Ave. | Dept. 3037

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-5242

Email: musicdpt@uwyo.edu