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Workshop: Writing a Great Artist Statement

Struggling to translate your creative practice into words? Avoiding the process of writing and editing your artist statement, whether for your own materials or an upcoming application? Face your fears at this upcoming workshop, which helps artists explore how to clearly communicate who they are as creative individuals, and the kind of work they produce, to a broad range of audiences.

Artists will learn the components of creating effective personal narratives, tangible tips for keeping their statements updated on a regular basis, modifying statements for different platforms and more. The instructor will provide personalized feedback and organize breakout groups for peer-to-peer feedback.

Learnings from this workshop can apply to improving applications for grants, fellowships, and residencies; websites; press releases; marketing materials and more. Artists should bring a copy of their most recent artist statement for review and 2-4 images of their own artworks for context.

  • Date: Thursday, February 20th

  • Time: 7-9pm

  • Location: East Village (close to 1st Ave subway)

  • Cost: $50, includes drinks and light bites

  • Purchase tickets: LINK

** About the facilitator: Shama Rahman (she/her) is a marketing specialist who has worked in marketing roles at The New York Times, Whitney Museum of American Art, and Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. She currently works at The Wall Street Journal as a creative strategist and is a founding member of the Ninth Street Collective, where she conducts one-on-one consultations for artists. More information: LinkedIn

** Past workshops held (2016-present): Mana Contemporary, The Wing, New Women Space, Eyebeam, The New School, Equity Gallery, Commend, Abrons Arts Center

** Testimonial: “I’m not a strong writer — I’ve described my writing resembling something like a conspiracy theorist mood board. But Shama allowed time for me to read my artist statement in a very inclusive space, only suggesting a few notes and edits to further my own voice. Her encouragement is reinforced with her background working and supporting with artists over the years and I can’t thank her enough for her insight.” - Tommy Kha, photographer and artist

Earlier Event: February 12
Winter Social