There is a universal expression on the faces of parents when their children tell them ‘I want to be an actor/writer/musician/painter …’ It is one of thinly veiled terror. Except for the select few, there is little money in the creative arts – they are under-funded, and under-supported, which is a horrible irony for a country that has such a wealth of talent. The lofty dreams of the creative are often seen as just that – romantic notions, with little potential to become a reality. In a day and age where reality TV seems the only way into an industry obsessed with cross promotion and dollar signs, this country’s creative crop have to be as savvy as they are inspired, as clever as they are creative.

When you’re first starting out, creative people have to be business people as well (and then, hopefully at some point, the business people come in and take over). They not only have to create, but pitch it, perform it, sell it and promote it. There has to be an unwavering belief that their product is worth somebody’s time and money – and, in the event that that someone disagrees, a thick skin, similar to a crocodile’s hide must be formed. And, let it be said, the event of rejection is far more common than its more palatable antithesis.

One of the shortcomings in the Australian creative arts, seems to be the lack of an entrepreneurial culture. When you’ve put the finishing touches on your first manuscript, or laid the final track on your self-financed demo – where do you go? Who do you take your labour of love to? In a world where talent means little and money means everything how do you get those with the money to pour some of the green stuff into your project? Sometimes the problem is not so much nurturing one’s talent, it is understanding the pragmatism behind sustaining your creativity and making it profitable.

Australia’s creative talent need to be better informed of what it takes to succeed.

E-Festival, in collaboration with Vibewire is going to tell you exactly what you need to know. Some of Australia’s brightest creative talent have been enlisted to share with you all they know from personal experience – the good, the bad and the ugly. We’ll look everything, from maintaining motivation when the going gets rough, to securing grants, what associations you should be members of, and how you handle the creative/commercial clash.

Singer Laura Imbruglia, fresh from her second, successful European tour, joins Propelarts General Manager, Sonja Basic, Leigh Mangin, manager of Carclew's Arts and Education Program, triple threat fashion designer Natalie Wood and installation artist Sam Smith. Rounding out the panel is Alvin Tan, Founder and Artistic Director of The Necessary Stage (TNS), musician Goyte, UK artist and filmmaker Alice Angus, careers consultant Melinda Bufton and blogger Gala Darling.

E-Festival and Vibewire are giving you a panel of Australia’s freshest, brightest talent, who have artfully achieved the holy grail of the creative arts industry – success and profitability in their chosen creative field without losing the pulse and passion that drives it all.