Enter PitchFest 2021, an Arts Entrepreneurship Competition!
The Arts Entrepreneurship Department is looking for big ideas that have a meaningful impact on the community, generate economic opportunity for artists and designers, and can be carried out in an environmentally sustainable way. For a second year, PitchFest returns with cash awards to help turn those ideas into reality.
What is PitchFest?
The Arts Entrepreneurship Department PitchFest is a competition event, supplemented with ongoing workshops that offer insights, mentorship and tools for launching creative ventures. Artists and designers are powerful creative problem solvers and this competition gives MCAD undergraduates the opportunity to hone their skills in developing and pitching a creative venture. PitchFest is an exciting opportunity for MCAD undergraduates to stretch their creative thinking, consider how they can impact the world, and win some fantastic award money.
The goal of this competition is to spark innovation by supporting student-led initiatives that build community and create opportunity for artists and designers. Undergraduate students from all majors are invited to bring ideas forward. The challenge is to combine your creativity with logic, analysis, and persuasion to win over the audience and the judges--a panel of entrepreneurs, changemakers, alumni, and supporters of MCAD.
In 2019, the Arts Entrepreneurship Department hosted the inaugural PitchFest. 24 applications were submitted to the competition and 12 were selected as finalists. Finalists were matched with mentors who helped them prepare for their final presentations on April 5, 2019. First, second, and third place, as well as the audience favorite, won cash prizes totaling $10,000. After a brief hiatus in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions, PitchFest returns in 2021 as a virtual event.
How Do I Enter?
If you're interested in participating but not sure how to proceed, there are several opportunities to get more information:
- Review the "How to Enter" section for basic guidelines and how to apply, then log in to Submittable to fill out the application.
- Watch a video tutorial on how to apply. See the schedule of important dates for all deadlines and related events.
- Email Theresa Madaus, tmadaus@mcad.edu or Stephen Rueff, srueff@mcad.edu with questions and to get some personalized assistance.
- Join PitchFest coordinator Theresa Madaus and Arts Entrepreneurship Chair Stephen Rueff online on Monday, February 1, noon-1:00 p.m. or Monday, February 8, noon-1:00 p.m. for an online information session. Learn more about the competition and application process. Don't miss out on applying for PitchFest 2021! Applications are due February 15 at midnight. Join us on Google Meet.
Why Should I Enter?
- Pitches are only five minutes long!
- Entering PitchFest allows you to develop and refine your ideas into a viable creative venture.
- All applicants will have access to workshops, and finalists will receive mentors and coaching.
- It's a great opportunity to give an entrepreneurial edge to your portfolio or resume.
Prize money can be used to make your idea a reality! Awards are:
- First Place - $5,000
- Second Place - $2,500
- Third Place - $1,500
- Audience Favorite (not receiving one of the awards above) - $1,000
Both award winners and other contestants from PitchFest 2019 went on to:
- Refine their ventures
- One team was hired by a mentor for consulting work
- One team raised over $15,000 through a crowdfunding campaign
- One finalist is working with a Juror to further develop the idea