How to Survive as an Emerging Artist 2․0

2024

The Institute for Contemporary Art and ArtNexus are glad to announce the open call for the second edition of the “How to Survive as an Emerging Artist 2․0” (HTS) program. HTS is an intense training course aimed at strengthening the abilities of young and emerging artists. The program is implemented with the support of the ArtNexus programme funded by the Swedish Art Grants Committee.

The duration of the program is 3 and a half months, from mid-March to the end of June 2024. Participation in the program is free.

The application deadline is February 20th, 2024.

About the program

The idea of the program was sparkled by the questions addressed to us by many young artists:

• Where shall I start?

• How can I create my portfolio?

• How can I self-educate?

• How shall I cooperate with galleries?

• Why should I work with a curator?

• How can I participate in international exhibitions and art residency programs?

• How can I get grants?

• How can I gain recognition?

If these questions appeal to you, take this chance to apply to our program, which will give you an opportunity to learn more about yourself and your art, how to present your work, refine your portfolio and your artist statement, create a professional network, and most importantly, the chance to create an exhibition in collaboration with other young artists and an experienced curator.

What makes this program stand out?

Although participants will gain knowledge applicable to any creative field, the program particularly emphasizes the field of visual arts with its various sub-genres. In the selection process, preference will therefore be given to visual artists.

Another important aspect is that the program is comprehensive and includes seminars on work organisation, communication, marketing, self-presentation, art market trends and other important topics, while highlighting the skills of collaboration and distribution of functions among artists, curators and art managers.

Who can apply?

Applications are open to artists aged 18 to 30 based in Armenia who are in the early stages of their professional activity. Preference will be given to visual artists.

The working language of the course is Armenian. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided during lectures provided by international speakers.

What to expect from the program

The participants will immerse themselves in the world of modern art and get acquainted with the main events and trends in Armenian and international contemporary art, will learn about online and offline art sales platforms, and about art market rules and practices. The seminars will be conducted by a number of established specialists from Armenia and abroad: art managers, theorists, curators, and experts in related fields.

One of the main practical goals of the program is to provide participants with knowledge regarding all the stages of creative production:

  • Recognizing your talents and skills, writing your statement 

  • Presenting yourself and building up your portfolio,

  • Communicating well and boosting visibility,

  • Positioning yourself in the art field,

  • Networking and cooperating,

  • Working with curators and galleries,

  • Making international connections, getting grants, and taking advantage of other opportunities.

 

By the end of the program, you will have a better idea of your mission as an artist, an attractive portfolio, essential knowledge in art marketing, practical communication skills, numerous professional connections, and a completed graduation project.

Selected participants from RA provinces will be given a scholarship to cover their travel expenses.

Participants must attend at least 75% of the courses to be included in the graduation projects and receive a certificate of participation.

In order to apply for the program, please fill out this form:

 

Documents to be attached to the form:

• Resume/CV.

• Portfolio (can also be submitted online on Behance, Dribble, Instagram or other relevant platforms). You may find it useful to check out Portfolio Building Tips and this Portfolio Building Template.

The selection of the project participants will be conducted by the Selection Committee. The selected participants will be notified by March 10th.

For additional questions, please contact the project coordinator, Achod Papasian [[email protected] / +374 98 96 67 52].

The program is implemented with the support of the ArtNexus programme, which is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and managed by The Swedish Arts Grants Committee.

About ICA

The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is an institution dedicated to capacity building. We believe that education, science, and production are interconnected and organized as one global process and aim to meaningfully contribute to the development of the art economy of Armenia.

The ICA is made up of the ICA School, the Project and Research Labs, the exhibition hall and the library, the studios, and the Nest Art Residency. We provide technical facilities and training for artists, art critics, and curators, produce research at the crossroads of art, culture, humanities and social sciences, and design art collections, exhibitions, and creative platforms. Relying on the context-sensitive and context-creating nature of contemporary art, the ICA team plays the role of a conveyor, sharing the power of art to bring about change to the social, cultural, and political landscape of Armenia.

 

Website |  ICA on Instagram |  ICA on Facebook

 

About ArtNexus

ArtNexus is an international program promoting artistic freedom, development, and the strengthening of democratic processes. It is led by the Swedish Arts Grants Committee (SAGC) and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

Read more about ArtNexus:

Website: ArtNexus in English | ArtNexus on Instagram | ArtNexus on Facebook