[ARH Learns] Insights from UOB Arts Acceleration Programme

Arts Acceleration Programme for SEPs

2 - 24 April 2025

UOB FinLab's Arts Acceleration Programme recently concluded its third run, offering self-employed persons (SEPs) in the arts sector a comprehensive four-session journey into business development and digital transformation. The programme, which ran from 2-24 April, brought together experienced arts practitioners to share practical strategies for building sustainable creative careers in today's digital economy.

Here is a recap of the sessions:

• Session 1 on Navigating Digital Economy & Entrepreneurship:
  SEPs gained tips and ideas from experienced arts practitioners to build up one's portfolio career, develop a strong personal branding and leverage digitalisation for growth and productivity.

• Session 2 on The Art of Business as an SEP:
  SEPs learnt useful tips and strategies to build up a creative business as an SEP, including understanding value proposition and exploring value-based pricing strategies.

• Session 3 on Developing Personal Branding & Digital Marketing Strategies:
  SEPs gained key strategies to shape a strong personal branding through effective communication and use of digital marketing tools.productivity.

• Session 4 on Harnessing Digital for Productivity & Transformation:
  SEPs gained insights to navigate emerging technologies such as Al/Gen Al and its potential opportunities and impact on the arts sector.

Hear from our speakers, Evan Low (music director and 2024 Young Artist Award recipient) and Toby Tan (Tobyato), a visual artist and illustrator, on thriving as an arts SEP in Singapore in an interview with CNA938 Rewind ↗ (opens in new tab).

They share insights into sustaining a creative career while managing the business side of their practice:

• Challenges of self-employment in the arts:

  • Learn how to manage finances when income fluctuates

  • Handling project logistics and team coordination is essential.

  • Up to 70–80% of their time is spent on administrative tasks rather than creation.

• Importance of digital skills:

  • Leverage social media and personal branding to grow your audience and stay relevant.

• Networking and community:

  • Programs like the Arts Acceleration Program for Self-Employed Persons provide mentorship, networking, and practical skills to navigate the arts ecosystem.

• Building relationships with clients:

  • Successful projects require understanding client expectations, audience perspectives, and collaborative communication.

  • Code-switching between creative and business perspectives is key.