[cid:image001.jpg@01CA1A6D.0AFB4FC0] For Immediate Release July 30, 2009 Contact: Nirmala Singh-Brinkman, EDGE Program Coordinator nirmala@artisttrust.org<mailto:Coordinatornirmala@artisttrust.org>, 206/467-8734 x20; toll free 1/866/218-7878 ARTIST TRUST ANNOUNCES 2009 EDGE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR FILMMAKERS :: :: :: Application Deadline: September 15, 2009 Artists who reside in Washington State are encouraged to apply to the 2009 EDGE Professional Development Program for Filmmakers. "I learned a lot and met many good people. The course reinvigorated my interest and helped focus me on future goals." [FILM EDGE Graduate, 2008] The EDGE Program offers a comprehensive survey of professional practices through a hands-on, interactive curriculum that includes instruction by professionals in the field, as well as specialized presentations, panel discussions and assignments. The EDGE Program provides artists with the relevant and necessary entrepreneurial skills to achieve their personal career goals and the opportunity to build community through peer support and exchange. Topics specifically addressed include: * how to promote and market films, independently and in festival circuits; * how to build strong business plans for film projects; * how to find funding for film projects through grants, investors and other sources. The EDGE Program is open to emerging or mid-career filmmakers. Applicants must be residents of Washington State but cannot be graduate or undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program. Applicants must commit to completing the entire 50-hour program. Limited financial assistance and travel stipends for artists applying from outside King County are available. Artist Trust will offer one cycle of EDGE for Filmmakers in 2009: Seattle: October 23-December 11, $400 (Meets on two Fridays and six Saturdays) EDGE applications and guidelines are available at the Artist Trust office, on the website (www.artisttrust.org/pro_resources/edge<http://www.artisttrust.org/pro_resources/edge>), or by sending a self-addressed, stamped, business-sized envelope to: EDGE Application, Artist Trust, 1835 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122-2437. Completed applications may be hand-delivered or mailed to the address above by 5:00pm on September 15, 2009. Artist Trust is located on the corner of 12th Avenue and East Denny Way in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. Mailed applications must have a US Postal Service postmark dated on or before September 15, 2009. Artist Trust is a not-for-profit organization whose sole mission is to support and encourage individual artists working in all disciplines in order to enrich community life throughout Washington State. :: :: :: Naomi Strom-Avila Cultural Arts Specialist City of Tacoma 747 Market Street, Room 900 Tacoma, WA 98402 253.591.5191