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The fourth  annual Artists & Makers Conference will be held on Friday, April 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Hutchinson Center in Belfast. Hosted by Archipelago and the Island Institute, the one-day event will offer practical tips and strategies to help grow arts businesses and is open to all artists and makers who live and produce work in Maine.

This year’s conference will offer three themed tracks highlighting information for those just starting a business, those looking to take their business to the next level, and those interested in tips for maintaining fulfillment, passion, and inspiration in their business.

New features include:
– Three tracks throughout the day—Foundational, Transformational, and Inspirational
– Opportunities to meet with and have your product reviewed by retail experts
– Opportunities to meet with and have your fine art portfolio reviewed by gallery experts
– A Pecha Kucha-style event to inspire creativity
– A DIY tabletop photography workshop
– More networking opportunities

Guests will be able to focus on one track throughout the day, or they can mix and match from different ones depending upon their areas of interest. Sessions will cover tips for starting a business, approaching stores and galleries, building a website, grants and financial opportunities for artists and makers, marketing and branding trends, social media, and more.

Speakers at this year’s event include James Morin of Flowfold, Bill Laurita of Swan’s Island Company, Sadie Bliss of Maine Craft Association, Dennis Gleason of Gleason Fine Art, Maggie Bokor of Maggie Bokor Jewelry, and more.

Registration cost is $45. All tickets include a light breakfast, lunch, fruit and beverages. To register or view a complete agenda, visit http://www.islandinstitute.org/archipelago.

For questions regarding registration or the conference, please contact Archipelago Director Lisa Mossel Vietze at (207) 596-0701.