Raised by a preacher and a CPA, in addition to her studio practice Dahlquist reflects her upbringing with the passionate pragmatism she brings to her civic practice of helping artists and creative entrepreneurs build sustainable careers. Using curriculum development, workshops, lectures, community building, and one-on-one mentoring, she has worked with hundreds of individual artists of all disciplines to develop strategies and business skills to support their practices. Her unique experiences and perspective as a working artist have also led her to lecture both locally and nationally on a variety of business and economic development topics. Carrying the stories of the artists she has worked with and a guiding principle that the individual artist must be at the center of a strong arts ecosystem, Dahlquist works with municipalities , arts organizations, and businesses to develop strategies, programs, and policy to support the individual artists within the larger community. Dahlquist partnered with Kansas City, MO, the Kansas City Economic Development Council and AltCap: Alternative Capital for Community Impact to develop and launch the first artist centered micro-lending program in the country. Most recently, she developed the Creative Economy Initiative for Bravo Greater Des Moines, a comprehensive action plan for the support of individual artists living and working in the Des Moines area.
Chris is available for presentations and one-on-one consultations. Contact her for rates and availability.
What people are saying:
“Chris Dahlquist shares solid, practical, and professional advice that motivates artists to transform their artistic careers into successful businesses that nurture their creative and personal lives. Drawing upon a deep reservoir of real-life experience and knowledge about the specific needs of artists today, Dahlquist openly and thoughtfully shares her skills to help artists navigate their careers and goals.” Heather Clark Hilliard – Visual Artist, Norman, Oklahoma
“Chris Dahlquist blows away the stereotypes that artists can’t deal with the business side of their practice. With an ever-present eye on the strategic plans she has for her practice, Chris has developed extraordinary systems for the marketing and distribution of her own work. Not only has she done this for herself, but she is an excellent mentor to other fine artists seeking to do the same with their fine arts practices.” Diane Scott – Associate Professor of Arts Management, Chair department of Fine & Performing Arts at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
“Participating in the ASK program is the single best thing I have done for myself as an artist. Chris has given me a path to discover and put words to what I really want for my career and permission (that I didn’t even realize I needed) to make that career look however I want it to. I am so excited to see what the future holds going forward with the power to design my own trail.” Julie Cates – Artist, Salina, KS
“Thank you for an inspiring session yesterday. You have the gift of seeing through life’s murkiness and making it all feel so clear and simple. Always after I talk with you I have that “hit me upside my head” feeling of “why didn’t I think of that-so perfect?!?” I appreciate your encouragement, enthusiasm, and candid comments as we could share some insights. Feeling supercharged today to do great things. Many many thanks. Very warmest wishes,” Ada -Painter, Kansas City, MO
“Thank you, thank you, and thank you for helping make our [ZAPP national] conference a big success! I have heard from so many people that your presentation was the most relevant and helpful of the entire event!” Christina Villa – Director of Business Operations at WESTAF
In the Press
We Create KC: Chris Dahlquist Photography: Make Art Your Living – KCSourceLink
New Joint Venture to Empower Creative Entrepreneurs – Des Moines Partnership
Article from ZAPP about Chris prior to her 2018 presentation at their national conference.