MIDCOAST—The Island Institute is behind two conferences this weekend, designed for artists, makers, and solo entrepreneurs, otherwise known as “the creative economy.”

The 2023 Artist & Makers Conference

UMaine Hutchinson Center, Belfast

April 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This is the ninth year Island Institute has been putting on a conference with themed tracks for artists, makers, start-up businesses looking to grow. for After several years of COVID-9 pandemic disruptions, this is the first year since 2019 that the conference is in-person again. Naturally, the theme is “Together Again.” Artist and poet Karen Spitfire will kick off the welcome speech to the event with a Poet Laureate reading.

“When planning the conference, we always try to balance key takeaways with inspirational elements,” said Archipelago Director Lisa Mossel. “We have a marketing workshop for non-marketers with a goal of marketing smarter not harder, which ultimately allows artists or makers more time doing what they love.”

The workshops will range from marketing and selling fine arts to social media and branding, with lots of opportunities to network with other artists and makers. One of the first morning sessions, “Living a Creative Life” with father-and-daughter duo Joe and Nina Devenney, features artists of different genders, generations, and business models. After a pandemic when so many people nationwide looked inward to the creative self, this is the kind of session that answers the age-old question, “When can I quit my job and do what I love to do full-time?”

Almost as if to answer that philosophical question, “Where is the money?” is another session led by artist Kim Bernard, which features an interactive crash course about how to find grants for creative projects, how to write a compelling grant proposal, and how to put together a budget.

In the afternoon, once the sessions have been completed, there will be a mini-Pecha Kucha-style presentation sponsored by CMCA.  They will also have an afternoon session of music with The Myles Kelley Trio as well as an “after-hours” room at Darby’s from 3:00 p.m. on to allow folks to continue to connect. 

The Start Summit

Mid-Coast School of Technology, Rockland

April 28 & 29 (check website for times)

Register Here

This is the first time this two-day conference has been offered in Midcoast Maine. Designed for business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, the goal is to exchange ideas from thought leaders in Maine’s coastal communities and give participants new ideas for growth and innovation.

Panelists will discuss topics such as innovations in the marine economy, creating more resilient communities, and critical infrastructure, and will hear success stories from Maine's leading innovators and entrepreneurs. Participants will also be able to participate in a “Design Thinking” workshop, then work with their team to identify a high-potential problem, learn from a current startup founder, and pitch to a panel of judges for the chance to win a cash prize with the top prize at $3,000.

“There are a variety of issues facing Maine’s Midcoast, whether that’s climate change, higher fuel costs, accessibility to the workforce, or changes currently taking place in the lobster industry,” said Jeff Frank, Senior Community Development Officer at Island Institute. “This summit focuses on bringing together folks in the region who are innovators or in the business community who want to contribute to the conversation and have a cross-pollination of ideas.”

Explaining the team challenge, Frank said, “Teams will be presented on Friday night with challenges that mirror what is going on in the Midcoast currently and have a chance to get to know one another. The next day the teams will work together to provide innovative solutions to these challenges and those presentations will be judged later in the day.”

“This summit is unique in that there aren’t many opportunities where a fisherman from Stonington is talking to someone from a tech business in Rockland and offering a chance to bring those ideas together,” he said.

Sponsored by Roux Institute, MTI, Eaton Peabody, and Island Institute, this fun and interactive event is free to the public. Participants must register ahead of time, however.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com