Ann, I get so many damn requests from people looking for a publisher, wanting information about how to go about it all. Frankly, I don't have time to give such advice. So I am thrilled, more than thrilled, even, that you are contemplating such a service to artists, and I hope you succeed at this, you would make a great resource for artists in this region in the outside world. Good luck and keep us posted on how it shakes out!

I would do a workshop with Tony D if Ann organized it. He is one of my favorite local publishers and Ann is one of my all-round favorite people in the entire world. . .

I'd be happy to do a workshop like that--we can talk not only about how to get someone else to publish your book (and the importance of having the right publisher for your book) but of the pros and cons of self-publishing as well.

There should be other workshops for musicians, visual artists, etc., as well.

Tony, GREAT IDEA! It's esp. topical now that several traditional publishers are starting up self publishing divisions (with Author Solutions). Let's do discuss.

That was the idea ... not to make a whole bunch of work for two people but a "for instance" about networking for multiple different arts disciplines

This is interesting. Currently I am part of a class named C.RE.A.T.E. with the Northeast Entrepreneur Fund. The goal is to for artists to learn how to manage their art as a business and make money. My first reaction is that you are duplicating services, but maybe not? Duluth IS beautiful and I believe people who live elsewhere are attracted to Duluth so this could be a growth area for us.

I don't think what Ann is proposing is necessarily a duplication of services. There are lots of organizations who do programming or grass roots stuff, but they all rely on what grant funding can be gleaned from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council or other funders.  See-  http://www.aracouncil.org/links.html  Too many of us creative types lack the people or business skills to hook up with local consumers of art in a meaningful and economically rewarding way. We need an advocate who will explain to the rest of the community that we can't always do stuff for free! Less groveling! Less Groveling! Less Groveling!

I third Tim K! THere are some brilliant artists here and I too hate to see them grovel for pennies.

Hi Ann (and everyone else),

In addition to the Twin Cities healthcare voucher program that Ann detailed above, Springboard for the Arts worked with the Artists Emergency Relief Fund, ARAC and the Lake Superior Community Health Center to replicate the voucher program in Duluth.  So, Artists Access to Healthcare-North is now up and running!  You can find more info here:
http://www.artistrelieffund.org/

Springboard also publishes a healthcare guide:
http://www.springboardforthearts.org/Services/GuidetoHealthcare.asp

And we recently worked with a physician to open a new model clinic for artists:

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/09/23/artist-doctor-sam/

If you hear of physicians in Duluth interested in a similar model, we would love to share what we learned and how this clinic works.

Ann, I'm looking forward to working with you on this new organization!

This is a wonderful idea!  Art is an economic as well as a cultural boon to a community. Coordination and education are essential to bring optimal results.  I can't think of a better person to do this than Ann Klefstad.  
I would add that this would also be an area where artists who are wanting to be active in schools need use a person who can guide them.  The laws that govern access to the classroom have changed.  Schools need the expertise and example of artists-and many artists see children as the hope of the future.  This position would provide exceptional results.