Made in the 216

What is an arts entrepreneur?  Is it someone who simply hangs out their shingle and sells their goods or services to the public, or does operating as an entrepreneur in the arts require a more broad skill set, capacity for collaboration and creative thinking than one would normally associate with simply running a business?  Is there an onus on the artist entrepreneur to bring fresh new ideas to the marketplace or business community?  Some argue that the entrepreneur is an innovator, generating fresh ideas, while others say the entrepreneur is an organizer who can act as a catalyst.  I would argue that the artist entrepreneur must embody all of these qualities and more. 

The Cleveland area is ripe with artist entrepreneurs; several hundred members of the COSE Arts Network identify themselves as entrepreneurs or small arts-business owners.  Several hundred artists have taken the Artist as an Entrepreneur Institute since CPAC founded it 8 years ago.  Business training, best practices, professional development and networking are no longer dirty words in the arts community, and many artists, designers, musicians, dancers and writers are realizing that a healthy balance of artistry and business acumen will not diminish their artistic integrity, but rather create a solid foundation to support their artistic vision. 

One such Cleveland entrepreneur has for many years supported other working artists, designers and artisans by organizing and presenting showcase events called Made in the 216.  As the name implies, the event “touts the design community of Cleveland and supports those that have chosen to stay and base their creative endeavors right here in the 216.”

Danielle DeBoe, owner of Room Service, and the creator and operator of the Made in the 216, designed her events to look like a fun and engaging retail space, where guests can see the products of over 60 artists and designers, enjoy food by local restaurants and hear the talents of local bands and DJs.  These events are outgrowths from her own retail lifestyle boutique, and naturally are a form to marketing that business, but more importantly the events give energy and a platform to local designers, artists and musicians to convene and celebrate the great talent here in NE Ohio.  It takes a selfless type of entrepreneur who understands that a rising tide lifts all boats to take on an endeavor such as Made in the 216.  Check it out this weekend!