writing about your work [new nyfa course]

Writing About Your Work

New NYFA Learning Course!

A clear, cogent statement unlocks opportunities. This is true whether you’re working in the visual, literary, or performing arts.

In this interactive course, you'll develop an artist statement that effectively describes what you make, how you make it, and why you make it—enabling art professionals and supporters to understand and connect with your artistic practice.

Course Highlights

• Create an Artist Bio: Develop a 100-word artist bio with key information distinct from your artist statement.
• Gain Perspective from Reviewers: Get insight into how your statement will be seen by decision-makers in the arts.
• Nail the Artist Statement: Learn the essential elements, then develop a strong statement that you can use for a variety creative opportunities.
• Access Real-World Examples: Read artist statements from successful applications across disciplines.

Course Content & Pricing

This course takes an average of 2.5 hours to complete, with the specific time varying on an individual basis. It includes over 30 minutes of video, 4 interactive exercises, 3 examples, and 2 quizzes. This individual courses is available at $35, or $50 for two courses as part of a special bundle offer. With a one-time purchase, the content will be available to artists in perpetuity.

Course Contributors

Course Contributors include NYFA Staff and affiliated artists (Fellows, Learning Alumni, etc), industry professionals who bring unique insights to what it means to be an arts and cultural worker today:

• Kelly Olshan, NYFA Learning Program Officer, Career Advice and Training and Artist (Course Creator)
• Brigitta Varadi, NYSCA/NYFA Fellow in Interdisciplinary Work, Chashama ChaNorth Residency Director

Artist Contributors:

• Su-Yee Lin, 2021NYSCA/NYFA Fellow in Fiction
• Leonardo Sandoval, 2022 NYSCA/NYFA Fellow in Choreography
• Khalif Tahir Thompson, 2021 NYSCA/NYFA Fellow in Painting

NYFA Learning

These courses build on professional development programming that includes live workshops on essential arts career topics including Art Law, Marketing, Taxes, and Fundraising; and one-on-one Coaching sessions with arts industry experts on topics including Art Career Planning; Resume, Cover Letter, and Portfolio Reviews; Fundraising/Grant Writing Tips; Marketing Advice; and Leadership Development. NYFA’s professional development programs provide artists, creators, students, and arts administrators with tools, strategies, and advice for building sustainable careers. NYFA collaborates with organizations, academic institutions, and cultural partners to bring our programs to a broad range of national and international creative communities.