How do I start my own art classes?

I am trying to start an art cooperative, how can I gather funding for this project?

• I already have a space for my co-op and enough start-up money for 3 months of rent. I am new to this and am considering a 501(c). Is this a reasonable option and if I do obtain non-profit status, how can I recieve funding for my co-op? I'm trying to make this as much of a community organization as it is a private one. My interests include community art projects, art shows and classes as well as providing a private space for dedicated artists to work on their personal projects. Are grants an option? And if so, how do I approach the application process? Where should I start? Thanks in advance for your help, and sorry for asking so many questions. Any additional information or links will be greatly appreciated.

• Answer:

  This is highly dependent on your locale. At least you cited the US tax Code, so we know you're within the US umbrella. I recommend hitting your local arts councils and the Better Business Bureau for all the free info they have. The funding methods depend very much on your area's support for the arts. Note that 501(c) status takes a while to get and requires a certain level of organization. However, it makes you a viable tax deduction for philanthropists. You can also try a KickStarter campaign (KickStarter.com, I think). There are myriad ideas for gathering funding. Virtually all of them require a high level of personal presence and energy: *you* will have to take the lead and infect others with your passion for this idea. You will also need to surround your self with cooperative people; far too many co-ops have gone under because they tried to expand to rapidly and accepted people who were a drain on the resources and energies of the group.