Art Work: Art Business Courses
About the Program
Art Work is Cultivate's professional development program designed to support artists in advancing their careers, expanding their skills, and refining their artistic practice.
Tailored for artists at all stages of their careers, this program offers opportunities to deepen technical expertise, explore contemporary art practices, and navigate the business side of the art world.
Each class within Art Work is designed to provide practical tools and knowledge to help artists succeed, whether through mastering new mediums, building a professional portfolio, or developing strategies for self-promotion and exhibition. These classes empower artists to enhance their practice and engage with the art community in more meaningful ways.
What to Expect In Our Program -
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Tailored Professional Development: Our classes offer focused training in areas like grant writing, portfolio development, exhibition planning, and the business of being an artist, equipping participants with practical tools for professional growth.
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Expert-Led Instruction: Each session is led by experienced artists, curators, and industry professionals who provide mentorship and in-depth knowledge, ensuring artists receive relevant and actionable insights into advancing their careers.
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Skill Specialization and Expansion: Artists have the opportunity to hone specific techniques or explore new mediums and contemporary practices, all within a supportive, skill-building environment.
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Networking and Collaboration: The program fosters a collaborative atmosphere through group discussions, peer critiques, and networking opportunities, allowing artists to build connections within the art community.
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Career Advancement: Participants receive hands-on guidance in preparing for exhibitions, developing marketing strategies, and building professional portfolios, positioning them for success in both local and national art scenes.
Art Work Course Catalog
Level A: Building Essential Professional Skills
A-1: Writing Your Artist Statement and Bio
Course Description: This introductory class teaches artists how to write clear and compelling artist statements and bios. Emphasis is placed on communicating artistic intent, background, and style in a way that engages galleries, collectors, and critics.
A-2: Building a Professional Artist Website
Course Description: Learn how to create a well-designed, functional artist website that effectively showcases your portfolio, artist statement, CV, and contact details. This course covers basic web design principles and user experience tailored for visual artists.
A-3: Introduction to Marketing and Social Media for Artists
Course Description: This course provides an introduction to promoting your art through digital marketing strategies, focusing on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
A-4: Pricing Your Artwork and Navigating Sales
Course Description: Learn the fundamentals of pricing artwork and selling through galleries, art fairs, and online platforms. This course offers guidance on setting fair prices and negotiating sales.
A-5: Introduction to Artist Contracts and Copyright Law
Course Description: Understand the legal side of being an artist. This class covers the basics of contracts, intellectual property rights, and protecting your work through copyright.
Level B: Developing a Professional Practice
B-1: Advanced Artist Statement and CV Development
Course Description: This course takes the artist statement and CV to the next level, focusing on fine-tuning language and structure for different contexts, including grant applications, residencies, and teaching positions.
B-2: Advanced Marketing and Audience Building
Course Description: Focus on developing a robust marketing plan that includes audience building through newsletters, blogs, and advanced social media strategies.
B-3: Networking and Professional Relationships
Course Description: Learn how to build relationships within the art world, from gallery owners to collectors and curators. This course emphasizes networking strategies and professional etiquette.
B-4: Exhibitions and Installation Planning
Course Description: Learn how to plan and execute solo and group exhibitions, from the logistics of installation to curating your own work for optimal presentation.
B-5: Navigating Residencies and Grant Applications
Course Description: This course helps artists prepare for residencies and grants by learning how to write successful applications and manage the financial aspects of being an artist.
Level C: Mastery and Career Sustainability
C-1: Career Sustainability: Diversifying Income Streams
Course Description: For artists looking to create a sustainable career, this course explores alternative income streams such as teaching, commissions, licensing, and public art projects.
C-2: Advanced Negotiation and Contracts
Course Description: This course dives deeper into the nuances of negotiation, helping artists secure favorable contracts with galleries, museums, and clients.
C-3: Teaching and Curriculum Development for Artists
Course Description: For artists interested in teaching, this course covers how to design and implement a curriculum for art workshops, residencies, and educational programs.
C-4: Managing Studio Finances and Taxes
Course Description: This course focuses on the essential aspects of financial management for artists, including budgeting, bookkeeping, and understanding taxes specific to creative professionals.
C-5: Art Law and Intellectual Property
Course Description: This course focuses on the legal aspects of being a professional artist, with an emphasis on protecting intellectual property, navigating copyright laws, and understanding licensing agreements.
Cultivate Conversations:
Art and Education Discourse
Read the Cultivate Arts Publication
