Wyoming Innovation Partnership Creative Economy Mentor
I was selected to serve as a mentor and topic advisor for the Wyoming Innovation Partnership’s Investing in Wyoming’s Creative Economy program, where I supported artists and creative entrepreneurs in translating their ideas into sustainable ventures.
Through this work, I advised participants on fundraising, audience development, and venture design, and supported them in shaping business models, refining pitch materials, and preparing for early-stage investment opportunities.
What became clear through this experience is that artists are not lacking in vision; they are often navigating systems that were not built with their practices in mind. Effective mentorship, in this context, is not just about guidance; it is about helping creatives bridge the gap between artistic ambition and the structures required to sustain it.
Contributing to this initiative reinforced my belief that strengthening the creative economy requires more than capital. It requires aligned support systems, access to strategic expertise, and a rethinking of how we position artists, not just as creators but as enterprise builders and drivers of economic growth.
The Awardees whom I advised were:
Sophie Barksdale, SB Productions: A Lander-based film production company from Emmy-nominated Barksdale, sharing fiction and nonfiction stories from remote and rural America using local talent. The company serves statewide.
Bruce Cook, Creative Visionaries: Based in Fort Washakie, Creative Visionaries plans to partner with the Creative Nations Indigenous Artists Collective and the Dairy Arts Center to support emerging Native American artists in advancing their careers and achieving their goals of becoming established creative professionals.
Reilly Dibner, Ecosystem Films: Based in Laramie, Ecosystem Films distills the highest-quality science into engaging, educational, and accessible films rooted in data, serving statewide.
Francesca King, Footnote Literary Consultancy: Based in Laramie, the consultancy aims to elevate Wyoming’s statewide literary community through manuscript services, workshops, and networking, bridging gaps in resources and recognition for local writers.
Anne Mason, Anne C. Mason Creative Consultant: Based in Laramie, Mason mentors organizations statewide on improved practices in business and theater operation, applying cross-sector skills to strengthen empathy, efficiency, and impact.
Carrie McCarthy, Burning Torch Productions: A Rock Springs-based independent documentary production company focused on telling and sharing the stories of Wyoming statewide.
Korrine Ryan, Chandlar and Co. LLC: Based in Thermopolis, an art-focused community space where people of all ages and backgrounds can take art classes and connect over creativity.
About the Program
Investing in Wyoming’s Creative Economy is a state-funded program through Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP) aimed at supporting artists and creatives in building a sustainable art practice, starting an arts-related nonprofit, or building an arts-related business. The initiative is led by the Neltje Center staff, along with UW colleagues, consultants, and mentors. During Phase II of the WIP Initiative (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024), a total of 100 Wyoming-based artists and creatives in any field were invited to apply to participate in:
Workshops: Skills and community-building workshops focused on reaching personal and professional goals.
Mentors: Mentorship from experts in diverse creative fields and start-up businesses.
Resources: Access to resources necessary to sustain a creative life.
Funding: The opportunity to compete for up to $25,000 towards an arts-focused business start-up, nonprofit initiative, or arts-related enterprise.
Plans for Phase III of the WIP Initiative will be announced by the Governor's Office in summer 2024. Read the full announcement here.