Level Up
Level Up
Level Up is a professional development series for the arts & culture sector.
Through interactive workshops and expert-led seminars, you will gain valuable skills and insights for growth. Whether you’re looking to improve your fundraising techniques, expand your art business, enhance your curatorial strategies, or foster stronger community engagement, Level Up offers the tools and knowledge to help you succeed.
Program Details
- Level Up registration fee is included with your membership
- Some sessions are exclusive to network Members, while others are open to the public
- Organizational Members are allowed to register multiple staff / board members
- Registration is required for each session
Work of Art: Legal Considerations for Artists
- January 22, 2025
- 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
- Virtual
When it comes to the legal side of creativity, it is easy to feel intimidated and overwhelmed. Where do I even start with copyrights, intellectual property, use contracts, moral rights? In this workshop, you will learn general information about your intellectual property, contract basics and structuring your artistic business.
Cost
- Network Members: Free - not yet a member. Join now for only $25
- Non-Members: $150 per individual
Facilitator: Alison Bergblom Johnson
Alison Bergblom Johnson is an artist whose work explores disability and joy. She collaborates with numerous community care and art organizations (some examples: Fresh Eye Gallery, Strike Theater, the Loft Literary Center, Springboard for the Arts, and the Walker Art Center). With Mixed Blood Theatre she created a theater piece with other people with disabilities about disabled lives. Her collage, storytelling and essays often approach taboo topics (disability, sexuality) in inclusive ways.
Springboard for the Arts' mission is to support artists with the tools to make a living and a life, and to build just and equitable communities full of meaning, joy, and connection.
Audience: Who is this for?
This session is designed for:
- Artists / Independent Creatives
Details
- Registration is required
Registration for this event is now closed.
Work of Art: Marketing
- January 29, 2025
- 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
- Virtual
Define your product, discover your target audience, make decisions about how you sell your work, and identify a budget and strategy for your artistic business.
Cost
- Network Members: Free - Not yet a member. Join now for only $25
- Non-Members: $150 per individual
Facilitator: Anitra Budd
Springboard for the Arts facilitator Anitra Budd is an experienced freelance editor, copywriter, consultant, and public speaker whose clients include Fortune 500 corporations, literary publishers, marketing agencies, universities, and local and national magazines. Over the course of her career, she’s presented workshops on publishing, editing, and organization for artists at a variety of venues. She holds BA and MA degrees from the University of Minnesota.
Springboard for the Arts' mission is to support artists with the tools to make a living and a life, and to build just and equitable communities full of meaning, joy, and connection.
Audience: Who is this for?
This session is designed for:
- Artists / Independent Creatives
Details
- Registration is required
Grantwriting Unlocked: From Idea to Proposal (Traverse City)
- March 13, 2025
- 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- TBD, Traverse City
This hands-on, 3-hour workshop will guide you through the grant writing essentials. You'll learn how to get organized, research funding opportunities, craft compelling proposals, and leverage A.I. tools to streamline the process. Participants are encouraged to bring a project or grant application in mind and will leave with a well-developed draft and a clear path toward finalizing their proposal. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their grant writing skills and turn ideas into funded projects!
NOTE: This workshop is being offered in Charlevoix and Grand Traverse. Sign up for the correct location.
Cost
- Network Members: Free - Not yet a member. Join now for only $25
- Non-Members: $150 per individual
Facilitator: Cindy McSurely
With a passion for the arts and over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, Cindy McSurely specializes in fund development, governance, and translating strategic vision into tangible outcomes. She has served as Development Director of Crooked Tree Arts Center, and Executive Director of Blissfest Music Organization. Cindy is also actively involved as Vice President of the Michigan Music Alliance, Co-President of the Kiwanis Club of Petoskey, and a Steering Committee member for Leadership Little Traverse.
Audience: Who is this for?
This session is designed for:
- Art & culture administrators
Details
- Registration is required
Grantwriting Unlocked: From Idea to Proposal (Charlevoix)
- March 20, 2025
- 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- Charlevoix Public Library
This hands-on, 3-hour workshop will guide you through the grant writing essentials. You'll learn how to get organized, research funding opportunities, craft compelling proposals, and leverage A.I. tools to streamline the process. Participants are encouraged to bring a project or grant application in mind and will leave with a well-developed draft and a clear path toward finalizing their proposal. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their grant writing skills and turn ideas into funded projects!
NOTE: this workshop is being offered in Charlevoix and Grand Traverse. Sign up for the correct location.
Cost
- Network Members: Free - Not yet a member. Join now for only $25
- Non-Members: $150 per individual
Facilitator: Cindy McSurely
With a passion for the arts and over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, Cindy McSurely specializes in fund development, governance, and translating strategic vision into tangible outcomes. She has served as Development Director of Crooked Tree Arts Center, and Executive Director of Blissfest Music Organization. Cindy is also actively involved as Vice President of the Michigan Music Alliance, Co-President of the Kiwanis Club of Petoskey, and a Steering Committee member for Leadership Little Traverse.
Audience: Who is this for?
This session is designed for:
- Art & culture administrators
Details
- Registration is required
Post with Purpose: A Fun Guide to Social Media for Reluctant Artists
- October 18, 2025
- 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- Charlevoix Public Library
Join us for a workshop that makes social media simple—and maybe even enjoyable—for artists like you. We'll delve into easy, time-saving strategies to authentically showcase your art without feeling "salesy." Learn how to create posts that reflect your unique style, talk about your work effortlessly, and attract the right audience, all while keeping the focus on what you love most: making art.
Cost
- Network Members: Free - Not yet a member. Join now for only $25
- Non-Members: $150 per individual
Facilitator: Raquel Lauren Furman
Raquel Lauren Furman is a social media strategist and founder of Raquel Lauren Photography & Creative Content Studio, where she helps small businesses create content that captivates and converts. With a decade of experience in the agency world and award-winning work for national and international brands, Raquel blends her fine art photography background with strategic marketing expertise. Her studio specializes in crafting tailored social media strategies, building cohesive brand ecosystems, and delivering visuals that amplify engagement. Known for her innovative approach, Raquel empowers clients to navigate the digital landscape with confidence, turning marketing challenges into opportunities for connection and growth.
Audience: Who is this for?
This session is designed for:
- Artists / Independent Creatives
Details
- Registration is required
Beyond the Noise: Tightening Strategy & Reducing Mission Drift
- October 23, 2025
- 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- TBD, Traverse City
Too much to do and too little time? You are not alone! Join us for this interactive workshop to explore tools and strategies to help your organization tighten its strategy and focus on what is most important. Learn how to identify what matters most, align your Board and staff around your top priorities, and develop a strategic screen to stay on track. Explore how to reduce mission drift, increase community impact, and prevent employee burnout and turnover.
Cost
- Network Members: Free - Not yet a member. Join now for only $25
- Non-Members: $150 per individual
Facilitator: Colleen Masterson-Bzdok
Colleen Masterson-Bzdok has over 20 years of experience working with northern Michigan nonprofits as a staff member, board member, volunteer, funder and consultant. She is passionate about helping leaders and organizations improve their culture, align their work around what is most important and maximize their impact in the communities they serve. Learn more about Colleen here.
Audience: Who is this for?
This session is designed for:
- Art & culture administrators
Details
- Registration is required
Upcoming Topics
In response to the topics our members have shared the greatest need for educational opportunities. These programs will be offered in different locations across NW Michigan.
- AI for Capacity Building
- Roles & Responsibilities for the Proactive Board