How to Survive as an Emerging Artist Program

How to Survive as an Emerging Artist (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. Applications are open to artists aged 21 to 35 based in Armenia who are in the early stages of their professional activity. 

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?

The program gives emergent artists the opportunity to learn more about themselves and their art, how to present their work, refine their portfolio and their artist statement, create a professional network, and implement a final project ‒ either a group exhibition with an experienced curator, an individual master class, or an art residency at ICA’s Vardablur studio.

During the course, participants 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 are 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, participants have a better idea of their mission as an artist, an attractive portfolio, essential knowledge in art marketing, practical communication skills, numerous professional connections, and a completed graduation project.