Tuesday, March 10, 2015

The Art Issue: How to Write a Proposal (& Get Funding) in the Arts

The most difficult aspects of being an artist , ironically, is not painting, or getting enough exposure. It’s finding funding, covering expenses, and getting into more prestigious establishments. An essential requirement to survive is learning how to write an art proposal. Art proposals provide funding through grants for large art projects, as well as get into career- advancing events. In Houston, right now, it’s open call season for exhibition proposals to prominent places such as Project Row House, Fresh Arts in Winter Street Studios, and Lawndale Art Center.
So what do you do if you are a self-taught artist and the thought of writing one seems overwhelming? What special wording are all the judges and curators looking for? How can you avoid being disqualified and rejected? And most importantly, how do you personalize everything to reflect on your art work?
For me, those answers could not be found on Google, or through any art manual at the bookstore. I discovered, through Facebook (by coincidence), Fresh Arts was conducting a How to Write an Effective Art Proposal Workshop. It included the panel of judges from Project Row House (Ryan Dennis), Fresh Arts (Sarah Schellenburg), Lawndale Art Center (Dennis Nance) which discussed everything for only $10 ($5/members)! It took place this past Wednesday at Winter Street Studios. I feel sorry for those who could not make it, and want to share the tips I learned last week.
An effective proposal is broken down into 4 parts:
  • Core Concept
  • What all would be included in the exhibition?
  • Feasibility? (the cost/budget)
  • Does it fit with the Organizations Mission?
Part 1: the Core is the most important aspect, it should state a subject matter, include if it came from a story (with reference), and if someone came into your studio to see this work, could you guess what their first questions would be?  Why are you making it? What are you conveying to the viewer?
Part 2: Included is what would be included in the exhibition. What’s the medium of the main components to your project? (Projection, dance, sound, painting, sculpture, etc.) What would happen during performances? Who are your collaborators, and would you want to give an artist talk or host a special event?
Part 3: The tools is writing out in details your budget, listing everything needed, equipment, manpower moving trucks, framing, installations, televisions, projectors, everything down to the little details (extension cords, screws, sound system, etc.) the dollar budget, and time frame you hope to have everything accomplished by
Part 4: The fit, does this really align with the mission of the presenting organization or space? This is very important to more organizations, and it should also be important to you too. Try not to apply to every exhibition. You will burn out quickly, and lose the authenticity (meaning & purpose) to why you are doing this in the first place. Ask yourself what are your goals, and how can showing here take me in the direction I want to go in my career. And if your mission is in sync with theirs it also increases your chances to getting accepted.
The panel spoke that when they reject a proposal, it may not be they don’t like it, some they actually love. But why do they reject?  I learned from the judges that art proposals that got rejected were mostly based on presentation. They do not require a perfectly written novel just a page that shows your idea clearly. To avoid confusion, use proper punctuation, write in complete sentences, use terminology (wording) that everyone can understand. Writing a couple of rough drafts helps increase clarity and reading a loud proposals to friends can help you spot errors before submitting the final copy will prevent possible rejection. Avoid attaching dark, grainy pictures. Provide quality reference pictures of your art work. And if you are still rejected, it is not because your art work stinks (Really?).
It’s may be because:
  • the timing isn’t right,
  • you may need to develop stronger skills and a clearer vision
  • the budget doesn’t add up (it may be too expensive, research grants & include sponsors)
  • or the organization/venue mission is different from your own
Overall, the workshop was excellent, it provided a nurturing environment that every artists: rookie, emerging, mid-career, and professional artists could actually grow from. My favorite part was hearing responses from the panel of judges, especially in regards to the past selected winners, and getting a plethora of information on how to get started. The only critic would be the time, I hope this workshop gets offered more than once, so I could recommend it to more artists! Also recommend if Fresh Arts could print out an information booklet opposed to email. It could be a best seller because it contained everything under the kitchen sink to art proposals- nearly 100 pages of slides, listing of all the venues with their contact information, deadlines, grants, photographers, & even tips from professional art consultant Cary Reeder.
For more information on proposals visit
  • Lawndale Art Center: http://www.lawndaleartcenter.org/exhibitions/proposals.shtml
  • Fresh Arts:  https://www.fresharts.org/content/call-exhibition-proposals 
  • Project Row Houses: http://projectrowhouses.org/artist-proposals/

I really enjoy learning about the most thriving artist environments, and always take notes on everything. You see my reports monthly online, and hope it enlightens others who are also extremely artistic, but never know how to break through into the professional art business. May we grow on this journey together and never stop learning new skills. For now, signing off, take care and have a blessed week.
Sincerely,
Angela S.
Houston Art Showcase Editor
Emerging Visual Artist
Follow work on fb/twitter/instagram: TheArtofAngela

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