Artist Resource Collective

At YoungArts, we believe financial knowledge is a vital component of an artistic career.

Too often, artists are encouraged to pursue their practice without understanding the business aspects of their craft. The harmful myths that talent alone ensures success and that passion, dedication and sacrifice are enough to sustain a practice have been perpetuated for far too long.

Artist Resource Collective (ARC) seeks to change this narrative. ARC is a new, artist-designed and artist-led program that equips artists with essential financial tools and knowledge.

Created by David Thomson, artist and co-creator of the Artist Sustainability Project, the program addresses key topics such as personal finance, business structures, contracts and agreements, taxes, grant writing, legal issues, intellectual property, and more as it continues to grow. At its core, ARC is guided by a philosophy of care—prioritizing the well-being of the individual to help support and sustain their artistic practice. By fostering a supportive environment, ARC provides artists with the resources they need to build lasting, fulfilling lives and careers.

Catalyzing support and generous seed funding for this work were provided by Chloe Berkowitz and the Berkowitz Contemporary Foundation.

How Can I Participate in ARC?

ARC is divided into three specifically focused programs.

YoungARC

YoungARC is an introductory program for 15-18 year-old artists just entering the YoungArts community and is now a prerequisite for new winners to receive their financial awards. YoungARC offers a comprehensive introduction to financial basics through EverFi, an online financial education course. To further support participants, we also provide online office hours—interactive group sessions where artists can ask questions and explore these concepts in greater depth. 2025 YoungArts winners will be the first to experience this program.

VirtualARC

VirtualARC brings key elements of the core ARC curriculum to life through virtual intensives led by experts in their fields. In 2025, we plan to expand our offerings with workshops on topics such as finance, budgeting, grant writing, taxes, contracts, legal and intellectual property, business structures, and more, made possible through additional partnerships.

LiveARC

LiveARC is a hybrid program that provides a comprehensive financial literacy curriculum through both intensive and extended formats. Topics include budgeting, banking, savings, retirement, credit, debt, taxes, business structures (LLC and 501(c)(3)), contracts, concepts of agreement, and more. The program combines in-person and virtual sessions to maximize accessibility and engagement.

The pilot program launched in spring 2024 in New York City, with plans to expand to Miami in 2025. Additional information about LiveARC will be available in spring 2025.