Photo Credit: Ted Engler, Flickr (CC-BY-NC-SA)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Society for Arts Entrepreneurship Education Hosts Successful Annual Conference at UMKC

KANSAS CITY, MO - The Society for Arts Entrepreneurship Education (SAEE) held its annual conference from Feb 28 to March 1, 2025, at the University of Missouri at Kansas City (UMKC) from February 28 to March 1, 2025. The event brought together over 50 educators representing 35 universities and organizations from across the country, reinforcing SAEE's role as the premier organization for advancing entrepreneurial education in the arts.

The conference featured workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities focused on innovative research, teaching methodologies and impactful arts entrepreneurship programs. Attendees shared best practices and explored new approaches to preparing artists for sustainable careers in today's evolving creative economy.

SAEE extends special appreciation to Andy Heise and Laura Moore of UMKC for their tremendous commitment to advancing arts entrepreneurship and for organizing and hosting the conference. The organization also wishes to thank Dr. Jeff Hornsby, director of the Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Dr. Brian Klaas the Dean of the Bloch College of Management at UMKC for their generous support and hospitality.

During the conference, SAEE recognized outgoing president James D. Hart, director of Social Innovation, Creative, and Arts Entrepreneurship at Southern Methodist University (SMU) for his visionary leadership and dedication to the organization. Under Hart's guidance, SAEE has expanded its membership and influence in shaping how entrepreneurship is taught within arts education.

"Jim's contributions to SAEE and the field of arts entrepreneurship education have been transformative," said Jeremy Peters, assistant professor of music at Wayne State University and treasurer of SAEE. "His commitment to fostering innovation in how we prepare artists for entrepreneurial success has left an indelible mark on our organization and the broader educational landscape."

The conference also marked a leadership transition, with Julienne Shields, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Millikin University stepping into the role of president. "I'm honored to build upon the strong foundation established by Jim Hart and our dedicated board members," said Shields. "As we look to the future, SAEE will continue to champion arts entrepreneurship education as essential for preparing the next generation of creative leaders."

In addition to welcoming Shields, SAEE elected two new board members Emily Gray of Vanderbilt University and Jane C.H. Jacob of Art Verite, who will help guide the organization's strategic initiatives in the coming years.

The Society for Arts Entrepreneurship Education remains committed to advancing the field through research, curriculum development, and creating connections between educators and institutions dedicated to arts entrepreneurship.

About the Society for Arts Entrepreneurship Education

The Society for Arts Entrepreneurship Education is a professional organization dedicated to advancing entrepreneurial education for artists and arts organizations. SAEE supports educators and practitioners through conferences, research, resources, and networking opportunities that foster innovation in preparing artists for entrepreneurial success.

Contact:

Blaire Koerner, Communications Director
Email - societyaee@gmail.com