Performing Artists/Creatives
How to Navigate CreativeGround
Performing artists are individuals or groups engaging in disciplines such as dance, music, storytelling, theater, spoken word, or puppetry. You may manage profile(s) for a performer or performing group if you're the artist yourself, the group's artistic director, or an administrator/agent for a performing artist or group. CreativeGround is a free tool for all New England performing artists to do the following:
- Search CreativeGround to:
- Connect with potential collaborators such as other artists, arts organizations, educators, presenters, and creative businesses like recording studios
- Locate venues to rent for performances or rehearsals
- Discover and reach out to presenters!
- Be a community leader and help everyone thrive: Learn more with the Promo Toolkit.>
- Creative work matters. Share your story (and own your own voice) and get counted as a member of your local creative community in regional research and advocacy efforts
- Data nerd alert: a user generated database that actually gets used in research is very unique - this your opportunity to grab the mic!
- Show off your hard work! Recognize the scope of your work by creating a detailed profile with photos and video and demonstrate the integral role performing artists play in making our communities vibrant places to live and grow and enjoy.
- Specific tips for profiles for all kinds of performers below.
Ready to Get Listed?
Get started on the profile for your work in performing arts by getting the step-by-step breakdown.
Image courtesy of Rosalita's puppets
Profile Pro-Tips for Performing Artists and Creatives
Visualize
- A picture is worth a thousand words. Use an eye-catching photo for your profile image and take advantage of the 'Image and Video Gallery' and add up to 10 examples of your work.
- As a performing artist, it's important for you to list past performances and collaborations. Use the 'I Have Worked With' section to fill out this information
Describe
- Think about what specific keywords someone might use to search for you and include those keywords in your 'Description of Work and Background' section
- Include whatever you feel comfortable sharing about your identity.
- Focus on what you do, not everything you might do ever. You can include more abstract artistic statements; however, this should not be the only content in your description.
Artists Only
- Do you offer workshops, classes, or residencies? Be sure to fill out the 'Teaching Artist Information' section of the profile to provide information about your fees, curriculum areas, grades served, and more
- If you're an artist who tours, take the time to fill out the 'Touring Artist Information' section and list your technical requirements, fees, and other important information
- Increase your visibility by becoming a New England States Touring (NEST) eligible artist. Potential presenters may be more likely to book an artist knowing that funding assistance is available from NEFA's New England States Touring (NEST) program (more info below on this page)
Check out these tips for making your profile ready for the spotlight, including the 411 on getting a top profile score for extra visibility.
NEST eligibility
CreativeGround houses the directory of all touring, performing artists who may be chosen by NEST applicants for funding through the New England States Touring Program.
All artists/creatives who wish to qualify can follow these step-by-step instructions to maintain an eligible profile on CreativeGround.
NEST Questions? email presentingtouring@nefa.org.