How to survive as an emerging artist?

The Institute for Contemporary Art and ArtNexus are glad to announce an open call for the “How to survive as an emerging artist?” program. This 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, which is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and managed by The Swedish Arts Grants Committee.

The duration of the program is 6 months, from July to December 2023. Participation to the program is free of charge.

The application deadline is June 23th, 2023.

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, 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 organization, 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:

• Self-recognition and formulation of your statement,

• Self-presentation and portfolio building,

• Communication and visibility,

• Positioning yourself in the art field,

• Networking, and cooperation,

• Working with curators and galleries,

• International connections, grants and 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.

Seminars will take place at ICA Yerevan (47 Avet Avetisyan). Some sessions will be conducted online.

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

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).

The selection of the project participants will be conducted by the Selection Committee. The selected participants will be notified by July 1.

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

About ICA

The Institute of Contemporary Art is an institution dedicated to capacity building. For us, education, science, and production are interconnected and organized as one global process. The ICA School, the Project and Research Labs, the exhibition hall and the library, the studios, and the Nest Art Residency all aim at contributing to the development of the art economy in Armenia by implementing various programs, providing technical facilities and training for artists, art critics, and curators, while producing researches at the crossroads of art, culture, humanities and social sciences, as well as designing 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, seeking to share the power of art to bring about change not only in the field of art but also in solving the social, cultural, and political issues faced by Armenia.

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About ArtNexus

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