Many of the artist’s biographies I have written for artists have been for those who feel insecure about not having enough professional experience to write about. There are many ways to avoid that from happening to you. You will find in this article several enjoyable ways to expand your art career credentials and artist’s resume and biography.
All of these rewarding activities will add credibility to your career and offer other benefits, valuable experience, connections and enhance your reputation. You can use them during every stage of your art career.
I hope you’ll discover something here that inspires you to try it.
1. Display your art in “alternative” spaces
Many of the best exhibitions I curated that attracted many visitors did not take place in galleries. They were held in music and dance performance spaces, corporate lobbies, community centers and night clubs.
I organized several exhibitions at Lincoln Center for the Performing Artists. Before the performances and during intermission, throngs of art/music lovers would view the show.
Many of these art exhibitions in “alternative” spaces attracted the attention of the press, so the artists were able to add an exhibition and a review to their resumes.
Another great benefit was the artists sold a lot of artwork in these venues because our guests were relaxed and able to enjoy the art, talk to the artists directly, and not feel the pressures of gallery sales people.
Look for these alternative exhibition opportunities. They are all around you!
2. Join an arts organization
Yes, in fact, join a few organizations. One should specialize in your medium, such as the watercolor society of your state or the photography club in your community. Another organization should be a national or international arts organization. And, the third one could be an online membership organization. Most organizations offer their members exhibitions and other benefits. If you want to enhance your career connections serve on a committee in the organization. Read Helpful Art Organizations and Resources, Valuable Art Organizations for Artists, and Organizations That Advance The Status of Women Artists.
3. Get involved with an art fundraiser
There are many charitable agencies that provide a mutually rewarding relationship with artists. Many already have annual events that include an art auction. If you have a favorite organization that you want to help, suggest the idea to them. Find something in your art niche, for example, if you’re a nature painter suggest a collaboration with an environmental organization. Read The Many Rewarding Ways Artists Help Charities.
4. Submit your art to a juried exhibition
There are many calls for artists to choose from. You can also enter theme exhibitions presented by The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS, and Manhattan Arts International. Online resources where you can find calls for artists include callsforartists.com, Entrythingy, and Artshow.
5. Teach, lecture or give a demonstration
Clubs that hold monthly meetings for its members are always interested in discovering new topics, speakers and presentations. You have a skill so share it. Offer to present a talk about how you started as an artist. Or, give a painting demonstration. Educate the audience about how you create something from an idea, sketch or blank canvas. You may attract a new group of admirers and buyers. If you’re nervous at first, start with a small group with an audience of people you already know.
6. Suggest an interview for your community newspaper or blog
If you also have writing skills, and enjoy writing about art, put them to use. To get your byline in print is a wonderful way to build your reputation and biography. If writing an article intimidates you, you could suggest to the local community newspaper or blog an interview with a leading artist, museum curator or gallery owner. You could conduct the interview in person or via email. By doing this you’ll make a new connection, add this credit to your biography and learn something in the process.
7. Get involved in a public art project
There are many ways to share your art and creativity and also help your community. Contact your local schools, public art associations, and nonprofit organizations that make decisions about public murals and other community projects.
8. Sell or donate your art to a healthcare facility
There are many hospitals, healing centers, rehabilitation centers, senior homes, chemotherapy treatment centers, and many more healthcare facilities, around the world. Contact these facilities directly or go through a corporate art consultants. Many of them are interested in hearing from artists for their projects. Read Resources for Artists Interested in the Healthcare Art Market
Sara Gilbert says
Hi Renee,
I am part of a group of 15 artists (women) who paint downtown. We have been part of The Green Studio where we take classes, attend workshops and rent studio space. Some of the women have shown and sold, some have not; some have art degrees, most do not. We are interested in forming a painting collective in order to showcase our individual work, yet make a creative statement as a group. I noticed your site and thought I would reach out to you. We have made a quick instagram page showing some of our work #womensartpower if you want to take a look. I’m thinking the most important next step is a web page, but don’t know any contacts in that field.
Please let me know what you would be able to provide in terms of help and fees. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Sara
P.S. My website is something I put together very quickly and needs tweaking, for sure.
Renee Phillips says
Dear Sara,
Thank you for visiting and your comment. Your website looks great. Congratulations. The #womensartpower on Instagram is a wonderful idea. I liked and am following. You’re right, a website for your group is necessary to build a presence and recognition. Having founded art organizations throughout my career I believe in their power.
You might enjoy two articles I wrote about launching art organizations: https://renee-phillips.com/taking-the-first-steps-to-launching-an-artist-group-or-organization/ and https://renee-phillips.com/launching-an-arts-organization-part-ii/
I would love to help your art group. I’ll send you an email so we can discuss some possibilities.
Best wishes,
Renee