UPCOMING COMMUNITY

Creative Study: Pitching Your Work for Support

with Paddy Johnson, Founder of VVrkshop and Holly Shen, Director, US, Lord Cultural Resources

Artist statements are hard enough. But what about positioning a project or a practice as a “good fit” for a grant, residency, exhibition, sponsorship, Kickstarter project, public project (the list goes on and on!)? How do you write a “winning” proposal for support with thoughtful language that is also specific to the opportunity?

Paddy Johnson and Holly Shen are used to code-switching and pitching successful proposals. Paddy has decades of experience as a writer and artist advocate, assisting artists with mindset, goal-setting, and the nitty-gritty of effective communication. Holly has worked as a curator, grantwriter, and collaborator to both artists and institutions to bring their visions to life. She has experience in everything from public art to innovative digital projects. Between the two of them, they know there is no one-size-fits-all answer to being seen and getting funded. They’ll talk about their strategies, the work they do with artists to craft clear and compelling proposals, and the steps you might take to pitch your work effectively.

Paddy and Holly will present their work and recommendations before Dexter Wimberly moderates a discussion utilizing questions from all those in attendance.