Emerging and established artists, creative practitioners, arts and cultural professionals, managers and leaders are encouraged to join the Smart Arts program.

Through the program, made up of a series of workshops and one-on-one sessions, Port Stephens creatives would not only learn business and professional skills, but be provided networking and collaboration opportunities.

“A key objective in the 2015-2018 cultural plan is the bring the cultural sector into the economic sector,” said James Campbell, senior community development and engagement officer from Port Stephens Council.

“This program fits beautifully with our cultural plan objective to equip creative individuals with the skills they need to turn what they do into a business and join the economic sector.”

The Smart Arts program is a collaboration between Octapod, The Business Centre in Newcastle and Port Stephens Council.

Steve Wait, business development manager from The Business Centre, said the Smart Arts program had been a success in Newcastle and it was hoped the results would be replicated in Port Stephens.

“It was a rampant success in the Newcastle area and now we hope to support creatives to develop an understanding of business and quip them with the skills to grow the industry,” Mr Wait said.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the program, signing up or sharing ideas can meet with stakeholders on February 17.

A two-hour meeting will be held at Swell Cafe and Restaurant, One Mile, from 6pm.

Bookings are essential.

Phone Port Stephens Council on 4880 0255 and ask to speak with the community development and engagement department.

For more information about Smart Arts program, phone Justine Potter, the program manager from Octapod, on 4021 1605.