It’s the 3rd year we have invited Emilia Telese, Italian born, UK based artist and professional practice expert to come to UNIDEE and run workshops on professional practice for artists. I really like her workshops, they are always concrete and useful and perfect for anyone having an art-organisational-crisis!
Emilia breaks down the reality for us as artists on necessary evils such as how to operate within the art system effectively when applying for funds/grants/project submission…She talks about fundraising and about the do’s and dont’s of a good artists statement, sounds simple but all my good intentions tend to go out of the window as soon as i start to write a statement. Some things to bear in mind…
A statement is NOT a bio, but instead the philosophy of your work
A statement is NOT a marketing pitch, no emphatic pitching please!
Avoid vague jargon and express your concept clearly (to quote E. T. no ” my work is about memory and identity” please!!!
Also for sure its a good idea for a few critical friends to pick at your statement before you send it off…
She also recommends “Career Suicide” Alistair Gentry
Incidentally and ironically i stumbled across the “Arty Bollocks Generator“ a month ago, it automatically generates artists statements full of art jargon that say and mean nothing! anyone wanting a laugh should check it out…
Mind mapping as an exercise in visualising your art project holistically
