Winter Intensive

There are more and more opportunities for artists to create work in public space, from requests for qualifications, to requests for proposals, to direct commissions. But, what is the difference between each type of opportunity, and how does an artist new to public art find them? In this session, OPA director Sallyann Kluz will introduce the different types of public art opportunities, where to find them, and what to expect from an application. Kluz will also share current and upcoming opportunities that are available through OPA, and discuss the selection process from the point of view of the selection panel.

When applying for an artist opportunity, an artist has only one chance to make a powerful first impression with their work samples. In this session, artist and OPA project Manager, Derek Reese will help to provide insight into the application review process to demystify the work sample submission portion of artist calls. Participants will review the fundamentals of documenting their work effectively and efficiently; learn how to identify the right work samples for a given opportunity; gain insight into what selection panel members look for in good work samples; and learn how to write work sample descriptions that are clear, concise, and descriptive. 

How do you write about yourself and your artistic practice? Do you approach writing as something separate from your practice? In this session, Jessica Gaynelle Moss and Alberto Aguilar will frame writing for applications as something that is a part of your practice and how written elements can be used as a preview to your artistic style. Participants will learn how to let their writing be a reflection of their art, creating stronger letters of interest, artist statements, and bios. Aguilar will be presenting his own artwork as an example of how his style is reflected in his writing. Moss and Aguilar will also discuss how to self-edit and work with an editor.