Drawing from over 20 years of leadership in the arts, Jo offers practical guidance on managing time, securing funding, and finding your place within today’s evolving arts ecosystem.

She begins with a reflection on her own journey—from club kid to advocate, curator, and cultural strategist—demonstrating that a career in the arts is rarely linear.

The session then focuses on art world frameworks and values, with special attention to arts nonprofits, emphasizing why understanding the business side of art is essential for every artist.

Recommended Resource

• The Field of Contemporary Art – Andrea Fraser Lecture (YouTube)
  Why watch? Fraser provides a critical look at contemporary art structures, offering insight into how artists can navigate, challenge, and thrive within institutional frameworks.

Speaker Bio: Jo Mikesell

Jo Mikesell is a compassionate and creative arts leader with over 20 years of experience in the arts and culture field. She serves as Program Director of Arts Business Services at Shunpike Arts Collective and is also a Seattle Arts Commissioner.

Her work focuses on supporting artists and organizations to create inclusive, community-driven arts experiences that promote social equity, accessibility, and cultural vitality. Jo’s expertise blends arts administration, curation, and advocacy, providing a strong foundation for artists navigating the nonprofit arts ecosystem.