Grants for Emerging Artists

I was reminded today that the Ontario Arts Council’s deadline for the Visual Arts: Emerging Artists program is coming up soon; December 1, to be exact.  (full information here)

Grant writing can be daunting, but the requirements for this one are tools every artist should have available at all times:  a strong artist’s statement, great images of their work and an up-to-date CV or resume.  All essential parts of your portfolio.

Here are a few things you should think about when getting your materials ready for an Emerging Artist grant:

• Include the best images you have of your work. Your images are the most important part of your grant.  Your work is VISUAL, so it’s important that the visual representation of your work be the best you can provide.  Make sure they accurately represent your work, and show the colour, texture, shape and detail one would see if the work was directly in front of them.

• Write clearly and plainly. Your artist’s statement and other written materials should be easy to read and to understand.  Use plain language and avoid “artspeak”.  A jury wants to know what you and your art are about.  So tell them.

• Quantity is not important. When you’re at the beginning of your career, it’s not the number of exhibitions you’ve had that’s important.  Juries want to see that you’ve made an effort to have your work exhibited, and have done so consistently.  So list everything at first.  Show at a local cafe?  Put it in.  Group show at a downtown gallery?  Put it in.  Student show at your art college.  Yes, it counts.  Your CV will grow.  Every show you do gives you experience.  It’s how you grow a career.

Not sure you’ve got it all right and want another eye to look things over?  We have grant review and portfolio review services.  Email me for details:  ksmcbrienATgmail.com

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