Dive into Arts Entrepreneurship with UK Arts Administration’s Fish Tank

Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of arts entrepreneurship? The University of Kentucky Department of Arts Administration is back with its sixth annual “Fish Tank: Emerging Entrepreneurs in the Arts” pitch competition, and it’s going to be a blast! The event will take place at Awesome Inc. in downtown Lexington at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14. This competition is not your average pitch event – it’s a chance for UK arts administration students to showcase their innovative ideas and make a splash in the arts industry.

The competition is part of a course on entrepreneurship taught by Jill Schinberg, associate professor of arts administration. Throughout the semester, students work hard to develop their ideas, understand the market for their product or service, and create solid business plans. It’s a journey that culminates in the Fish Tank pitch competition, where they get to take their ideas out for a test drive.

The judges panel for this year’s Fish Tank competition is stacked with talent, including Department of Arts Administration alumna, Destiny Carter. As a creative entrepreneur and former student of the program, Carter is thrilled to be back as a judge. She’s passionate about music, movement, and community outreach, and she’s excited to see the next generation of entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.

Joining Carter on the panel is Sal Sanchez, a Lexington-based entrepreneur, business strategy and leadership consultant, and owner of A Cup of Common Wealth, Chocolate Holler, and Magic Beans Coffee Roasters. Also on the panel is David Strobbe, lecturer with the Department of Arts Administration and co-founder of Expanding Out, an organization that focuses on developing creative thinking skills.

The projects being pitched this year are nothing short of impressive. From a new arts and culture magazine to an app that aids crowd safety at events, the creativity and innovation of the students are on full display. The judges will have the tough task of scoring the pitches based on a set list of criteria and asking follow-up questions to understand the students’ business plans.

The Fish Tank pitch competition is not just an event – it’s a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit. It’s a platform for students to turn their ideas into reality and make a meaningful impact in the arts industry. So mark your calendars and get ready to witness the next wave of arts entrepreneurs make a splash at Fish Tank!