The weekend enlightens participants on all aspects of business related to art- marketing, start-up, networking and more- and gives artists an opportunity to learn from some of the industry's leaders.

This year, The Guardian talked to three local artists about their experiences and expectations.

Here's what we asked:

1. Why do you attend the HACE Business of the Arts?

2. What is the workshop not to be missed this year?

3. Describe your personal challenge of blending business with arts?

4. What do you hope to learn from this year's HACE workshops?

Dave MacLachlan, singer/songwriter

1. It's extremely informative and they're really well targetted and the content is really good.

2. For me, it's Paul Hoffert because he's done such a great deal in the entertainment industry and has a lot of insight.

3. The business side is not something that comes natural to artists. It's a tough one, and that's why I like to attend the workshops.

4. I hope to just get that insight, that somebody's been through that battle.

Rose Marie Nicolucci, visual artist

1.These are excellent, informative sessions that artists need. There are already a lot of workshops on the creative end, but we need them on the business and practical end for resources.

2. There are some really good ones- but it would be Paul Hoffert and Barry Siskind, because of their topics. Staying productive is important and so is managing my art.

3. Blending business with arts is frustrating. My art is my escape from left brain activity.

4. I hope to learn how to be productive and get some return on my business, and how to be a little more hard-nosed.

Gayle Ackroyd, singer/songwriter

1. I find the guests interesting, I went last year and I really enjoyed it.

2. For me, it's Suzie McNeil because I know her and want to talk to her and see what she has to say.

3. I find it really hard (to blend business with the arts) because I have to be a publicist, a booking agent... and wear all these hats.

4. I hope to meet other people and network, and they might say something that I never would have thought of that might work for me.

Registration for the workshops is on a first-come first-served basis. For more details and/or to register call 905-874-2919 or visit www.artsbrampton.ca.