Startup takes you Behind the Curtain to give you a practical understanding of the art world and empower you to engage confidently through art-related topics pertinent to your own art practice and professional goals. Through live discussions, followed by interactive post-talk sessions, BTC provides invaluable insights into the art industry and where you fit into that ecosystem. This platform allows you to engage more directly with art world professionals, ask questions, and build relationships.
Behind the Curtain is more than a lecture series—it’s a professional development program that includes:
Engage in candid conversations with experts from all corners of the art ecosystem. From dealers and curators to framers and preparators, our talks shed light on every aspect of your practice. Each session concludes with a live Q&A, allowing you to get your burning questions answered directly by industry insiders.
After each live talk, we host an interactive session where members can ask further questions, unpack ideas, and apply insights from our expert talks. These follow-ups encourage group learning, helping us all broaden our understanding together and find practical ways to implement new knowledge into our artistic practices.
Access our growing library of videos at your convenience. Refresh your understanding of key concepts or focus on specific topics that resonate with your current needs. This resource allows you to revisit expert advice and insights, ensuring you can always find guidance relevant to your artistic journey.
Our "Tuesday Morning Salons" are open conversations where we delve into art practice quandaries. From prepping for exhibitions to shipping artwork, or fitting the business of art into your creative practice, this is a place to ask for and offer support in a 'rising tides float all boats' mindset.
Connect with fellow artists and art professionals anytime through our private online community. Suggest new topics, share experiences, offer encouragement, and provide resources that have enriched your practice. This platform fosters a supportive network for ongoing discussions and collaborations.
“Ray has the empathy, experience, and personality to bring artists together in community. He has a wealth of wisdom and experience to share, and also holds space without ego for community members to share their own experiences and expertise.”
This professional development program is for you if you want to:
+ learn more about the art world
+ MEET ART PROFESSIONALS
+ GET SUPPORT FOR YOUR ART PRACTICE
+ FIND YOUR PLACE AND PURPOSE IN THE ART WORLD
“The strong connections I’ve developed with other artists in this group have alleviated the isolation I have felt as a studio artist and have strengthened my confidence in the multitude of tasks that all artists face. Ray Beldner leads the sessions not only with expertise but with the mutual respect that professional artists deserve.”
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20% OFF QUARTERLY - $60 SAVINGS!
About Behind the curtain Founder and Host, RAY BELDNER
Besides being a successful artist, Ray is also a catalyst for change in the art world. After two decades of experience shaping artists minds at prestigious universities and art colleges, Ray realized that education shouldn't stop at the classroom door.
So, in 2015 he co-founded Startup Art Fair, a unique platform for independent artists to help build and sustain thriving careers through art sales, informative panel discussions, and connections and introductions to collector, curators, and dealers.
Feeling the need to stay connected in 2020, Ray began a salon style series of conversations between artists and art professionals. The conversation continues to this day and has culminated into BTC, which helps artists help themselves and each other while bringing them access and exposure to the broader art world and how to operate successfully within it.
“As an artist and writer whose work is mostly solitary, I look forward to the community that Ray hosts on zoom. It’s a supportive and welcoming group of artists who share practical concerns and provocative questions about their professional challenges and successes. I hop on the next call with a greater sense of camaraderie.”