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M'njikaning Art Studio
Mnjikaning Art Studio is a co-operative business consisting of many local artists. There
is a monthly membership fee plus commission on sales involved with being a member. The
talent ranges from painters, crafts people, and a videographer. A wide range of products
are offered such as t-shirts, videos, metal works, sculpture, stained glass, carvings,
paintings, design work on CD's and photography. They also make traditional drums with
artwork, which involves a visioning process in the creation of them. They do commercial
work and consider other art related jobs.
The Mnjikaning Art Studio was initiated by the establishment of Casino Rama in 1995 with
the call for artists to decorate and beautify the gambling facility inside and externally.
Artists were interviewed and screened. Prior to the Casino Rama project, most of the
artists had no formal training. They are responsible for the stunning art work on the
exterior of the Casino. They formed a group and acquired a studio in exchange for their
services and artwork. Some of their work is also produced from their homes. They are often
able to trade their artwork for services they require, rather like bartering.
This collection of local artists help pave the way for the youth and elders to be involved.
Youth and elders are welcome to come and mentor with the artists with no membership fee.
Through this process, they are exposed to the trials and tribulations of operating a
business. Other Native artists are also welcome to join this co-operative as it has an
open door membership. There tends to be a floating membership as some artists move on to
attend school or work elsewhere.
Because of the collective, there are many resources to draw upon. They have administration
skills covered within their membership. The artists may work independently or partner up
with others to collaborate on a job. Most of them have other jobs that they maintain.
Some are looking forward to full time art when they retire.
The challenges in starting up this business are financial constraints in finding funding,
developing a business without a business plan and getting commitment from artists to be
a part of the visioning. They discovered that they needed to set guidelines for prices
to keep them consistent and foster goodwill among themselves and community members. They
have accessed legal advice, community groups and native organizations, support groups that
were business related, the Internet for information, government grants and the support of
many helpful people.
Their customer base is their community, individuals and businesses, Art Galleries,
Restaurants, Coffee Shops and Collectors. New businesses that are developing in their
communities are approaching them to show case their art. They have achieved recognition
beyond their community which is an inspiring factor for them.
To be successful in this business, personal commitment is needed as is family support and
a willingness to work. Taking advantage of the training out there and accessing resources
will also enhance your business.
Coming into contact with other artists is a highlight of this business. Lots of public
relations and networking is involved. Donating their artwork to local causes has opened
doors for them. If they were to start over, they would begin with a business plan and
have more structure in place. Getting familiar with all the members of the art studio
and knowing each others limits is recommended.
Advice for young entrepreneurs:
- Seek out other businesses, not only the successful ones but the ones that failed and
ask questions.
- Find out what you’re up against
- Charge ahead
- Don’t be easily discouraged and surround yourself with positive thinking
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