Creative Business Champions on hand to yarn with artists at CIAF

Creative Business Champions from the Regional Arts Services Network will be on hand at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) this week to connect with local artists and establish mentor relationships.

Local artists and arts workers who have a clear vision for their career' project or creative businesses are encouraged to meet with the team of creative business champions who will be on hand during the CIAF Art Market and available to meet with prospective mentees.

Anyone wanting to yarn with a creative business champion can either book a one-on-one appointment online or drop by the stall at the art market from 7-10 July.

Creative business champions are highly qualified experts and leaders within the arts and creative industries who can provide guidance and support to those wanting to enhance their skills' develop professional networks and set new goals.

Connecting with a Creative Business Champion is free of charge and some participants may be eligible to receive longer-term mentoring services.

Ant McKenna' the Creative Business Champion Program Leader' from the Regional Arts Services Network said that the team was looking forward to connecting with artists in the Far North.

"The team is looking forward to connecting with artists and arts workers in Far North Queensland' in-person at CIAF.

"Usually' we provide these services online so being able to meet with people in-person' at this event' will be a great experience'" said Mr McKenna.

"Our team is made up of people who will act as guides for people wanting to take their art and/or their creative or Cultural business to the next level and connecting them with the right networks and funding opportunities.

"Our team have expertise across a wide range of arts industry disciplines and will work with mentees on project and program development' business growth and strategy' grant and fund sourcing' and marketing and promotion."

Creative Business Champions are supported by the Queensland Government through the Regional Arts Services Network and provide free online professional guidance services to support employment pathways and career sustainability for Queensland's arts workers.

The Regional Arts Services Network is an Initiative of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. CQUniversity manages the program and is also serving as the Catchment Three RASN Provider from 2022-25 (taking in a geographical area south to the Sunshine Coast' north to the Whitsundays and west to the QLD Northern Territory/South Australian border).

As the provider for this area' CQUniversity is striving to deliver excellent regional arts programs and services to ensure communities remain connected and creative.