professional practice program

The Art Students League of New York’s Professional Practice program is a nine-month program designed for serious professional artists who wish to build the skills and community needed to support an individually designed, and sustainable studio practice in the arts.  

This colloquium led by artist and Springs Projects co-founder TOMMY WHITE will serve as the anchor of the program. Tommy will act as mentor, coach, and curator to help each artist make connections and begin to take the needed steps toward a sustainable practice. At the end of the program, artists will build a five-year plan with actionable, achievable steps.  

Topics covered include: 

• Building business skills (accounting, taxes, pricing work, archiving and estate planning) 

• Creating opportunities (exhibitions, residencies, grants) 

• Preparing exhibitions 

• Marketing your work (especially on social media) 

• Finding a community 

• Conducting studio visits

In addition to the colloquium, participants will attend short-term workshops focused on specific topics related to the marketing and business of art, which are led by leaders in the field, and will also be open to artists outside the program. 

Additionally, our day-long intensive symposiums are a chance to network with thoughtleaders, and build community with other professional artists. Programs will address issues critical to how artists survive. 

This is a part-time, but intensive program that requires a minimum commitment of 7 hours per week, the majority of which will be spent on-site in the Art Students League historic studios at 215 W 57th Street.