MaCCNO Mobile University

Using existing community and cultural networks, as well our strong connections with partner organizations, MaCCNO  identifies and works with small groups of musicians, artists, root culture bearers, and other creatives to build their knowledge base and skill set to increase their access to resources, develop their personal finances, expand their career path, and engage in civic processes.

This program combines traditional organizing techniques (e.g. house meetings) with grassroots economic development strategies. Rather than a traditional approach where one workshop is held for a large group in a central location, we are flipping the script, removing barriers to access, and hosting trainings for small groups (e.g. a band, Black Masking Indian tribe, informal artist collective, a group of friends/fellow creatives, etc) at a location of their choice—it could be a living room, clubhouse, barroom, they could come to our office; whatever is most comfortable for them. The program consists of a series of 5 training “modules” that groups can choose from, depending on their needs and interests. Groups can complete one, some, or all of the modules at a pace and schedule that works best for them. Each session will be about 90 minutes but timing can be adjusted as needed. 

The Training Modules:

1)    Foundations of Cultural Entrepreneurship

Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know. This is an introductory session that provides an overview of topics tailored to the cultural community including: basic financial management; what it means to “incorporate” your organization; how to find financial and other forms of assistance; building partnerships, and more. This session is meant to be a lead-in to any of the other four.

2)    Grants Acquisition and Fiscal Sponsorship

An intro to grants and grant-writing, including how to search for grant opportunities that match the needs of an individual or group. The session will also cover fiscal sponsorship and fiscal agency—what they are, responsibilities of the sponsor and the grantee, and how a group can apply for non-profit status. Additional grant writing assistance is available for individuals by appointment.

3)    Financial Management and Tax Compliance for Creatives

What an artist, musician or creative needs to know about tracking and managing their money, recording their income, and filing their taxes. This will also include the latest information on how to manage, track, and record income on digital platforms like CashApp and Venmo. Follow up assistance for individuals will be available by appointment.

4)    Band Leader Boot Camp

Band leaders play an important role in the cultural landscape and this is aimed at helping them meet their specific challenges. The session is centered around instruction and advice from musicians to other musicians looking to advance their careers and potentially lead their own band. Topics discussed will include booking tips, leadership techniques, marketing and visibility, and financial management basics. This module can be adjusted to meet the needs and questions of the participants involved.

5)    Navigating City Government

A basic introduction to and breakdown of city government, including how to find your city council member and tips on how to contact them; a breakdown of government agencies with an emphasis on those that support or impact cultural activity (including but not limited to the Office of Cultural Economy, the Office of Nighttime Economy, Safety and Permits, and the City Planning Commission); and tips for speaking at public meetings.