Public Art, in partnership with the Las Cruces Public Libraries (Library) and the City’s Economic Development department, will hold a series of “Art Smarter, Not Harder” workshops focusing on the business of being a creative entrepreneur. 
Artist Art Garcia presenting his proposal for Fire Station #3. Proposed topics include “Business Licenses, Taxes for Pop-Ups and Cottage Industries”, “How to respond to RFQs/RFPs”, “Timelines and Budgets”, “Understanding Insurance Requirements”, “Intellectual Property Rights: Copyrights, Trademarks, and Patents” and “Navigating e-Commerce” to name a few. We will work with Economic Development and the Small Business Development Center to not only provide general business information but fill gaps that may be more specific to creative business. 
Sample of stamped engineered plan needed for some public art installations. 
The Library will offer the Artists + Libraries Innovative Collaborative Entrepreneurship (A.L.I.C.E.) project, a three-pronged approach to foster business artists in the community in partnership with established art entrepreneurs. This approach includes 1. A “Library of Things” that creatives can borrow such as cakepans for culinary arts, fiber art hooks, needles, thread, etc.; 2. An updated makerspace at the main library to facilitate hands on learning utilizing musical equipment and technology, 3D printers, sewing machines and related equipment; 3. Classes for art entrepreneurs using the makerspace including fine arts, fiber arts, culinary arts, decorative arts, architecture, and more. 
Possible skills class using Library makerspace. The aim is to bolster the creatives that live and contribute to the vibrant artistic community unique to Las Cruces with training and resources that help them thrive and grow their business. Best of all, all programming is free of charge. We hope this will encourage all creatives and other community members to take advantage of this exciting opportunity to explore being an entrepreneur, take existing business to the next level or find resources with solutions or ideas for a lucrative creative industry career. Workshop and class schedules will be announced soon. For more information, please contact Public Art,[email protected]or 575/541-2780, or the Library at 575/528-4000. 
