Effectively Balancing Business and Art  (Art & Hustle series)

Art & Ambition: Effectively Balancing Business and Art is designed for creative entrepreneurs who are building something bigger than themselves, yet often struggle with the tension between passion and profitability, creativity and commerce, vision and burnout.

In this workshop, Queen guides fellow creatives through the essential strategies to balance the demands of running a business with nurturing a thriving art practice—and doing so without sacrificing personal well-being. Through Queen’s empowering and practical “BART” framework, participants will learn how to assess their ventures, structure for growth, and build habits that support both economic sustainability and creative excellence.

Key Takeaways:

• A clear framework to assess and align your creative venture

• Business basics essential for artistic growth and resilience

• Systems and behaviors to protect your art practice and productivity

• Tools for self-assessment, strategic planning, and sustainable goal setting

• Mindset and rituals that support both business success and well-being

Queen's approach is grounded, inspiring, and deeply affirming—reminding participants that you don’t have to choose between being an artist and an entrepreneur. You can honor both.
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Part of the Art & Hustle monthly series for artists, makers, and creatives navigating the business side of their work. Come to one or all—no commitment needed. Attend all five to receive a Certificate of Completion.

Includes light dinner and networking.

SCHEDULE

5:00 p.m. Nibble and network in the Ed Portal's Crossings Gallery

5:30-7:00p.m. Presentation

Co-presented by Massachusetts College of Art and Design and Harvard Ed Portal

This workshop is held in a large group format (approx. 85-100 participants) with activities and seating arranged to encourage conversation and connection.

About the Presenter

Queen Allotey-Pappoe is the founder and creative director of Queen Adeline, a sustainable fashion brand, who has taught about the intersection of sustainability, design, entrepreneurship and empowerment at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Rhode Island School of Design, Boston University, and Suffolk University, serves on the Board of Trustees of the Society of Arts and Crafts in Boston, and was a featured exhibitor at the Smithsonian’s Craft Optimism. Her collection is featured at the Peabody Essex Museum store.

Advance registration is preferred for all Ed Portal programs and events. Walk-in attendees may not be admitted.

If you require an accommodation for a disability, please call the Ed Portal ahead of time at 617-496-5022 or e-mail us at edportal@harvard.edu, and we will do our best to assist you. 
To help protect visitors and staff, members of the public are asked to stay home if they are unwell or have experienced signs of illness* in the past 24-hours.

* Signs of illness include: fever, chills or feeling feverish; a new cough (not related to chronic condition); new fatigue; muscle or body aches; sore throat; new nasal congestion or new runny nose (not related to seasonal allergies); nausea or vomiting; diarrhea.

Parking is limited around the Ed Portal so we recommend taking public transportation.

Public transportation options:

We are about a 15-20 minute walk from the Red Line Harvard Square station or Green Line -B Harvard Avenue station.

Several MBTA buses also stop near the intersection of North Harvard Street and Western Avenue: #66, #86, #70.

Latecomer Policy: Late arrivals are welcome. Seating, materials, and refreshments are available while supplies last and are not guaranteed for late arrivals.

Supervision of Children: Childcare will not be available at this event. The Ed Portal does not allow child under the age 14 to be at the Ed Portal unsupervised by a parent or guardian unless childcare is available or a child is enrolled in an Ed Portal program.

Parking information: If you choose to drive to the Ed Portal please be prepared to utilize the two-hour on-street parking surrounding the Ed Portal or to park at Artesani Park and walk 10-12 minutes along Western Avenue to arrive at the Ed Portal. A limited number of parking spaces are available in the rear of the Ed Portal building on a first come, first serve basis. You may only use parking spaces in the rear of the Ed Portal building outlined in orange paint.