#nyfalearning

[nyfacurrent]

Register Now | Online Course: Build and Develop Your Fundraising Strategies

A deep dive into proposal writing, developing your networks, and individual giving this September and October via Zoom.

Interested in upping your fundraising game this fall? Join New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) and Asylum Arts as we offer an online course on developing and building fundraising strategies for your career and art practice. The course, which will provide deep-dives into proposal writing, developing your networks, and individual giving, is designed for artists of all disciplines and will be accessible anywhere you have internet access through Zoom. It will be taught by Rebecca Guber, Founder and Director of Asylum Arts.

The September and October course will focus on two topics: “Proposal Writing: How to Work Smarter, Not Harder, On Getting What You Want” and “Developing Your Networks and Individual Fundraising.” Each topic is comprised of a webinar and an interactive workshop, and artists can register for one or both depending on their individual needs. In order to provide personalized feedback, interactive workshops will be capped at 25 participants; those registering for an interactive workshop must first take the webinar on that topic. 

Cost:

$25 for one webinar

$75 for one webinar and the corresponding interactive workshop

$125 for the full course of two webinars and two interactive workshops

Guber, who brings 20 years of expertise in the art world to the course, has been called a “kind, knowledgeable presenter” and her previous proposal writing workshop was reviewed as a “lively, informative overview” by participant Laura Maria Censabella. "Even after being in the 'business’ for a while, I learned some things I can be doing better," said Censabella.

Read on for more details on each and how to register.

Proposal Writing: How to Work Smarter, Not Harder, On Getting What You Want

Webinar: Wednesday, September 23, 2020, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT Interactive Workshop: Wednesday, September 30, 2020, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT

Many opportunities for artists require written proposals, which can seem like a skill far away from your artistic process. This topic is geared towards individual artists seeking grant or residency program opportunities or who are looking to pitch projects via written materials.

The September 23 webinar will cover: 

How to present your best self and work in written proposals.

Different types of proposals that artists may encounter.

Common elements of a proposal and best practices.

How to be most efficient with your research and proposal writing.

What happens during the review process.

The September 30 interactive workshop will provide:

In-depth explanation of the different types of project budgets.

How to use budgets to tell the story of your project.

Pitfalls and challenges of budgets.

Key aspects of strong artist statements.

Feedback on your artist statement.

For more detailed information and to register for “Proposal Writing: How to Work Smarter, Not Harder, On Getting What You Want,” click here.

Developing Your Networks and Individual Fundraising

Webinar: Wednesday, October 21, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT Interactive Workshop: Wednesday, October 28, 2020, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT

This topic is for individual artists and those who run companies/organizations who would like to incorporate individual giving into their fundraising model, and better activate and cultivate their existing networks. 

The October 21 webinar will cover:

Fundamentals of individual giving.

Why people give.

Cultivation and relationship-building techniques.

How to ask for money.

How artists can leverage their networks to increase support for their work.

The October 28 interactive workshop will provide:

An in-depth look into the topics covered in the October 21 webinar.

Ways to identify your existing network and opportunities for growth.

Tips for speaking compellingly about your creative projects as a way to gain support.

Role-play and practice asking for funding

For more detailed information and to register for "Developing Your Networks and Individual Fundraising,” click here.

Interested in taking the full course? 

For more detailed information and to register for “Proposal Writing: How to Work Smarter, Not Harder, On Getting What You Want” and “Developing Your Networks and Individual Fundraising,” click here.

Presenter’s Bio: Rebecca Guber is the Director and Founder of Asylum Arts, a global network of over 600 emerging Jewish artists. She was previously the founder and Director of the Six Points Fellowship. Guber has built a community of artists exploring Jewish ideas and identity through fellowship commissions for new work, grants, international retreats, and professional development. Over the last 12 years, her projects have been the largest direct funder of emerging Jewish artists, distributing over 1.5 million dollars for new projects. Artists supported through her efforts have produced readings, workshops, and performances and have been featured in hundreds of articles and blog posts, including major press, radio, and national TV. Guber has also worked at the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, the Museum of Jewish Heritage, and founded the Shpatzirin Festival. She has reviewed many thousands of proposals over her 20 years in the art world and has facilitated many review panels. Guber hates jargon, and loves proposals that are unusual, interesting, and paint a clear picture. 

Questions? Email learning@nyfa.org. 

This program is presented by NYFA Learning. Sign up here to receive NYFA News, a bi-weekly organizational email for upcoming awards, resources, and professional development. NYFA Learning also offers the monthly Immigrant Artist Program (IAP) Newsletter if you are interested in opportunities, professional development, events, and tips and advice specific to immigrant artists.

Image: NYFA Online Learning: Proposal Writing: How to Work Smarter, Not Harder, on Getting What You Want!, September 2019, Courtesy NYFA

[nyfacurrent]

Know Your Rights Sanctuary Training Essentials

Learn basic tips on how to help provide sanctuary and support to immigrant and refugee artists and colleagues.

NYFA recently held a two-hour Know Your Rights Sanctuary Training with Ravi Ragbir, director of the New Sanctuary Coalition; Abou Farman, from Art Space Sanctuary; and Geoff Kagan-Trenchard, Esq. from Anti-Violence Project. We're distilling some of the most important takeaways and encourage you to bring the Know Your Rights Sanctuary Training to your organization. To do so, please contact Abou Farman at farmanfa@newschool.edu and Ravi Ragbir at ravi@newsanctuarynyc.org.

The presentation contextualized a sense of urgency for the affected communities, and the conceptual work that is necessary to understand the intersectional nature of immigration matters. Kagan-Trenchard explained and showed the difference between an administrative and judicial warrant and how to recognize if you are being given a document that has no judicial significance. He provided a reminder that cultural organizations should not be asking and recording immigration status, should avoid storing such information in their database, and must certainly not share it. 

If a law enforcement officer enters your facility, there should be a designated staff member that should: 

Ask them to identify themselves (are they local police or immigration?).

Write down the full name of the officer(s) present.

Ask why he/she is there and request to see a warrant (if the officer lacks a warrant, respectfully ask that the officer leave your premises). 

It is important to be able to recognize and document whether the warrant is administrative or judicial. Try to limit interactions with the officer to specific competent individuals in the organization (counsel or director) and contact a local immigration attorney or nonprofit to advise on the situation. The designated staff member should inform all who are present that they will directly engage with the officers and issue a reminder that everyone present has the right to remain silent.

A few key points to keep in mind before an emergency occurs: 

Don’t wait until you need friends to make them.

Have a contact for an attorney and media rep ready.

Don’t wait until it’s an emergency to make a plan. 

Who is the person in charge if ICE arrives at the venue, and what are they going to say?

“You’ll need to speak with the manager” is something you can say, even if you are a manager.

You have the right to (and should) film interactions with law enforcement/ICE. It’s a good idea to have someone on staff ready for this. Don’t obstruct while filming. 

Don’t have anything to give them. 

Minimize the amount of sensitive information you have.

All social media is monitored. Act accordingly.

 Don’t be quiet about how you feel about them.

A little bit of signage goes a long way. Mark private spaces clearly. That’s where the law can’t enter without a warrant.

Best practices for supporting immigrants in your organization:

Train staff

Post notices 

Delimit public/private spaces

Be mindful of privacy & records

Create a safe environment 

Don’t require ID 

Provide resources and information 

Best practices for immigrants:

Get a New York City ID (NYC ID).

If you have valid immigration documents, show them. Always carry these with you.

DO NOT carry papers from another country: if you have these, they can be used against you in the deportation process.

You do not have to sign papers that you do not understand. Wait until you talk to a lawyer. 

Do not let anyone scare you into signing papers.

By signing something, you are saying that you read and understand the document and agree with what it says.

Emergency safety plan:

Reliable immigration lawyer’s name and number.

Someone to take care of your loved ones (especially children, elderly, and pets).

Arrange for your medical needs. 

Organize important documents in a safe place; make copies and make them accessible to a trusted person. 

Keep your Alien Registration Number (A-number) and birthdate in a place accessible by loved ones should they need to locate you. 

Community safety plan: 

Know your rights!

Develop a Buddy System and community self-defense:

Create a network of friends, family, neighbors, etc.

Put together a text tree, phone tree, noisemakers, banners, videographers, photographers, legal observers, etc.

Important resources: 

Accompaniment Training

Websites for low-cost immigration attorneys in your area:

List of pro-bono legal service providers in the USA

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Administrative Relief Resource Center

 Pro Se (Legal) Clinic

New Sanctuary Coalition Resources Directory

NYFA IAP Resource Directory - Immigrant Services

- Alicia Ehni, Program Officer 

This post is part of the ConEdison Immigrant Artist Program Newsletter #123. Subscribe to this free monthly e-mail for artist’s features, opportunities, and events. Learn more about NYFA Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program.

Images from the Top: Geoff Kagan-Trenchard, Esq., Photo Credit: NYFA; Ravi Ragbir, Photo Credit: NYFA

[nyfacurrent]

Business of Art | Making it Work Outside of New York City

How to cultivate your creative practice and career where you live and beyond.

New York City has a wealth of resources for artists and creative consumers alike, yet there are also challenges associated with being a working artist here, including a high cost of living and limited opportunities for affordable workspace. As much as we love our city (New York Foundation for the Arts’ office is in Brooklyn, after all), for the purposes of this post, we’re focusing our lens outside of city limits to examine how you can best cultivate your creative practice and career.

Develop your goals as an artist.

We talked to three artists who have exhibited widely both within their local communities as well as internationally: Jan Harrison (Recharge Foundation Fellow ’19), who after living in Cincinnati for many years settled in Kingston, NY, two and a half hours away from Manhattan, and Kim Bishop (IAP Mentor ’19) and Luis Valderas (IAP Mentor ’19), who in addition to being artists, co-founded the 3rd Space Art Gallery in San Antonio, TX.

Bishop and Valderas emphasized that it is important for working artists to “have a clear vision of your goal as an artist, then be ready, and be professional.” Artist-centered professional development and entrepreneurial training programs can help you define your artistic vision as well as short and long term goals. In addition to reaching out to your regional or state arts councils for opportunities, several national organizations offer both in-person or remote learning options, including NYFA Learning and the nonprofit organization Creative Capital. Harrison also echoed the need for artists to be proactive about finding opportunities and cultivating their careers, “Find your own way; don’t just try and fit within an established art world. Be creative about how you are going to exhibit your work.”

Be involved in your local arts community.

As a working artist, be involved in your local arts community where you can find like-minded artists and creative professionals to share resources, exhibit work, and learn about new opportunities. Outside of New York City, arts communities tend to be smaller and tight-knit, yet they are often more accessible to new artists. Harrison suggested that artists “go to local openings and studio visits as much as possible, and find connections that aren’t necessarily in the arts, but that have shared passions.” As you discover artists and organizations nearby that you respect, sign up for their mailing lists, follow them on social media, and participate in their programming as much as possible.

“Be prepared to share your knowledge through mentorship or teaching because you have to show how art is valuable to your community,” emphasized Bishop and Valderas, “Be active in the development of art policy in your city.” Search Americans for the Arts’ Arts Service Directory to find your local arts agencies; Americans for the Arts also lists an advocacy toolkit for individuals and information about current legislation affecting the arts on their website.

Be part of the broader arts community, too.

Arts writers and collectors tend to be clustered around international arts centers, such as New York City and Los Angeles, so seek out opportunities to develop connections in those places while still living and being active in your local arts community. Stay up-to-date with industry-related news in your discipline, including reading local and international arts and culture publications and following artists you admire on social media. Develop a strong digital presence, including a website with professional-quality images of current work and previous projects, and maintain active social media accounts. Harrison explained that some of her exhibition opportunities in the United States and in Europe came from relationships that started through various forms of communication, including global environmental and animal activism, as well as social media. She also maintains many personal and professional relationships in New York City and beyond.

In addition to a strong digital presence, Bishop and Valderas recommended that artists develop relationships with academic institutions, join professional associations and participate in their conferences, and apply for residencies to make connections outside of their geographic region. They also advised that artists can “develop your network outside of the community by traveling as well as hosting.”

Find open calls online on NYFA’s Opportunities & Services page, NYFA Source, the Alliance for Artist Communities Residency Directory, and discipline-specific resources such as Common Field, Poets & Writers, and Theatre Communications Group. National visual, performing, and literary conferences that artists and industry professionals both attend include convenings by the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP), Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP), and the College Art Association (CAA).

As an artist, find opportunities to channel your creative energy both within and outside your local arts community to raise your visibility, learn from peers and mentors, and build lasting relationships across the diverse populations of arts enthusiasts in this country and abroad. “Think locally, regionally, and globally,” said Harrison, “You can do all three.”

- Maria Villafranca, NYFA Coach

You can find more articles on arts career topics by visiting the Business of Art section of NYFA’s website. Sign up for NYFA News and receive artist resources and upcoming events straight to your inbox.

Image: Jan Harrison (Recharge Foundation Fellow ’19), FOUNDLING, 2015, Photo Credit: Nancy Donskoj

[nyfacurrent]

Apply Now | Emerging Leaders Program 2020

Arts administrators from all disciplines within commuting distance to New York City are encouraged to apply by February 3, 2020.

Through the support of American Express, New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is pleased to announce the sixth session of its Emerging Leaders Program, a free initiative that provides leadership training for arts administrators over nine months. NYFA believes an investment in the cultural infrastructure will benefit the entire field, building stronger links and shared knowledge between artists and arts administrators.

More than 125 arts administrators have participated in the program since its inception. They come from a diverse range of arts and cultural organizations, and serve a wide variety of disciplines and constituents. Visit the following links to view our alumni from the inaugural cohort and 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2019 programs; all affiliations listed are from the time that they took part in the program.

NYFA is seeking applicants who are committed to the arts with clear long-term leadership goals that are willing to engage in self-reflection and step outside of their comfort zone to learn new skills. We integrate creativity into the program with a flexible and adaptive approach that adjusts to the needs of the cohort throughout.

Our core objective is to help arts administrators discover, identify, and develop their personal motivation and individual competencies as leaders while exploring the attributes and themes of arts leadership through an examination of traditional and contemporary leadership models. Arts administrators of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Selected participants will benefit from:

An exploration of your individual leadership attributes through concepts such as world view, emotional intelligence, vision, mission, and values.

Individual and group activities that focus on discovering and better understanding your individual strengths and challenges in a leadership context.

Exploration of leadership in multiple settings with the goal of identifying the elements of success that are unique to arts leadership. 

Development of an individual learning plan for each participant that addresses at least one critical leadership challenge you currently face.

A cohort-learning model that relies on shared experiences to explore and develop a greater awareness of your personal leadership style.

Access to alumni network and dedicated alumni advisors for individual guidance and support.

A peer cohort of 24 arts administrators.

Case studies, guest speakers, panel discussions, and group exercises that focus on purpose-centered leadership, including diversity, equity, and inclusion; negotiation skills; and decision-making frameworks.

Group and individual exercises that challenge and track individual progress and understanding of your actual and/or desired leadership attributes and roles.

Technical workshops and panels related to management, strategic planning, fundraising, and board development.

Exposure to key influencers within the arts and cultural communities.

The 2020 program will be facilitated by nonprofit trainer and consultant Gilles Mesrobian. Mesrobian is on the faculty of Bard College’s MBA in Sustainability, where he teaches Personal Leadership Development. His credentials include over 30 years of senior management experience in the non-profit arena, with over 20 years as an Executive Director. His consulting experience covers a broad range of organizational work in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector, including governance training, organizational assessment, leadership development, executive leadership transition, executive search, strategic planning, retreats, and trainings.

The program structure includes a five-day intensive with a rigorous blend of presentations, formal lectures, and break-out groups. Additionally, it includes half-day check-ins, an alumni mixer, final sessions, and a follow-up reunion event.

Application Deadline: 

Monday, February 3, 2020, 11:59 PM (EST) 

Eligibility:

Mid and senior level administrators in full-time employment by nonprofit arts and cultural organizations with budgets over $250,000.

Executive Directors from non-profit arts and cultural organizations with budgets under $250,000.

Commitment to mandatory attendance to all sessions.

Open to participants from the five boroughs of New York City and Metropolitan area within commuting distance of New York City. 

Program Schedule:

All sessions are mandatory and will take place at New York Foundation for the Arts at 20 Jay Street, Suite 740, Brooklyn, NY 11201, unless otherwise noted. Please check your calendar before applying.

Thursday, March 12, 2020 Intro Meeting: 10:00 AM -12:30 PM

Monday, March 23 - Friday, March 27, 2020 Five day intensive: Monday and Friday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Tuesday - Thursday, 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Check-in: 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Wednesday, June 17, 2020 Check-in: 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Wednesday, July 15, 2020 Alumni mixer: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Wednesday, Sep 16, 2020 Check-in: 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Tuesday, November 10 and Wednesday, November 11, 2020 Final sessions: 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Wednesday, February 10, 2021 Reunion: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Application Guidelines:

For the application, we ask you to provide:

Organization information.

Why you are interested in applying to this program and a list of goals relative to your leadership career path within the next 2-5 years.

Your current role and responsibilities.

A particular challenge in your current organization that participating in this program could help you address.

A narrative bio of your professional career.

Contact details of your supervisor and confirmed permission to participate.

How to Apply:

Applicants can apply via Submittable. First-time users will need to register with Submittable to access the application portal.

Applications are reviewed by alumni of the program and outside executive professionals.

Notification: 

Applicants will be notified on or before February 19, 2020.

Questions?

Contact the NYFA Learning team at learning@nyfa.org with “Emerging Leaders Program” in the subject line. We understand that arts organizations can be structured in a variety of ways, so please contact us for eligibility clarifications.

Testimonials:

The Emerging Leadership program is a growing network of peers and colleagues that encourages me to grow. Connecting to folks in dance, museums, and theatre creates more solidarity with issues that we share - both positive and negative. We are able to advise each other and engage with an elder generation of leaders. Thank you! - Eva Mayhabal Davis, Independent Curator, Eva Mayha Projects

This program provided a strong leadership development framework that prompted much self-reflection and a resulting increase in confidence to initiate and build change. Learnings from workshops validated my previous experiences and incited a call to action in my life. 'Operational Excellence' is a theme that really stood out to me and is what I aim to implement in all of the spaces in which I perform. - Sade Falebita, Associate Director of Youth Programs, Downtown Community Television Center

NYFA’s Emerging Leaders Program is made possible with the generous support of American Express.

Image: Alumni Mixer, Emerging Leaders Boot Camp, July 2019, Photo Credit: NYFA Learning

[nyfacurrent]

Register Now | Film Pitches and Grant Applications: What Funders Really Want to Know, and Why

April 21 online workshop will provide an overview for early and mid-career filmmakers and media artists wishing to improve their fundraising skills.

New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is pleased to present “Film Pitches and Grant Applications: What Funders Really Want to Know, and Why” for early and mid-career filmmakers and media artists on Tuesday, April 21 from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM EST. The workshop, presented by NYFA Coach and Media Specialist Matthew Seig, is part of our Online Learning Initiative that provides professional development workshops to artists and creatives nationally and internationally through a webinar platform. 

Workshop Description: Your letters of introduction and grant applications do more than just describe what your project is and who you are. They are a window into your skills, the viability of your project, and your professional and personal profile. We are going to talk about all of this, and some of the important factors that will govern your success, in “Film Pitches and Applications: What Funders Really Want to Know, and Why.” Regardless of whether your project is nonprofit or for-profit in nature, many of the same practices are important to both.

Topics will include:

The format: Do you understand the rules and standards of the community?

The narrative: Are you really a storyteller?

The budget: Does it tell the same story as your narrative?

The outreach and distribution: Who is your audience specifically?

The biography: Why is this the right project for you right now, and what is your network?

The team: Do they complement and elevate you, your project, and your network?

Presenter: Matthew Seig, NYFA Coach and Media/Film Specialist  Title: Film Pitches and Grant Applications: What Funders Really Want to Know, and Why Date: Tuesday, April 21, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM  Location: Online  Program Fee: FREE* Registration: We have unfortunately reached the registration limit for this webinar. Please check NYFA’s event page for details on future programming. Questions: Email learning@nyfa.org

This workshop will be recorded and shared with all previously-registered participants after the session concludes. It will be available for viewing up to one month after the workshop date.

*NYFA’s mission to empower working artists and emerging arts organizations across all disciplines at critical stages in their creative lives and professional/organizational development. We aim to be a resource to artists, arts administrators, and students everywhere, especially when so many in our creative community are reeling from lost jobs, opportunities, and income as a result of the coronavirus crisis. As such, we are taking action in a variety of ways including waiving registration fees on our webinars. 

Presenter’s Bio: A Media Specialist at NYFA, Matthew Seig is an experienced producer and production executive for film and television, director of documentary films, film programmer, exhibitor, and rights licensor. He manages a library of copyrights including those belonging to the late producer/director Robert Altman. Seig helped establish the Altman Archive at the University of Michigan, and edited a book about Altman’s life and films that was published by Abrams Books in 2014. 

For NYFA and with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, he produced a series of interviews with independent filmmakers on the subject of building audiences—one of the many skills that funders look at when considering financial backing for a filmmaker—that were conducted by Eugene Hernandez of the Film Society of Lincoln Center. In recent years, Seig has spoken about and moderated panels on fundraising for filmmakers at The Foundation Center, Producers Guild of America, Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema, and others.

Our 2020 Spring workshop series highlights NYFA Coaching, a professional development service that offers access to one-on-one individual guidance from a variety of arts professionals, including NYFA staff. 

This program is part of NYFA Learning, which includes professional development for artists and arts administrators. Sign up for NYFA’s free bi-weekly newsletter to receive updates on future programs.

Image: Courtesy NYFA

[nyfacurrent]

Register Now | How to Find and Land Your Dream Job in the Arts!

This February 18 workshop will help you define your career path, find opportunities, and walk you through all stages of a job search.

New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is pleased to announce its next online workshop "How to Find and Land Your Dream Job in the Arts," presented by Maria Villafranca, NYFA Coach and Consultant, on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Our first Spring 2020 workshop is part of our Online Learning Initiative that provides professional development workshops to artists and creatives nationally and internationally through a webinar platform. 

Workshop Description:

Are you passionate about the arts and looking for a career where you can contribute to a vibrant cultural sector? Whether you are an entry-level job-seeker or an experienced manager who is interested in a career transition, this workshop will help you define your career path, find opportunities, and walk you through all stages of a job search, from applying to interviewing to negotiating an offer. We’ll discuss arts-specific resources covering a range of disciplines, common application missteps, and how to strategically network in the field. You’ll walk away with a clearer sense of how to frame your career for new opportunities and essential strategies to land your dream job in the arts. 

Geared toward arts and culture employees at all career stages, this workshop will give you tips on topics such as:

Defining your dream job: We’ll discuss a range of career options in the visual, literary, and performing arts, and key questions to consider in tailoring your search. 

Where to find opportunities/networking: In addition to an overview of arts-specific employment resources, we’ll talk about informational interviews, staying informed about the field, and networking. 

Application strategies: We’ll define tips for creating and adapting your cover letter and resume for each application, including common missteps!

Interviews: We’ll review how to prepare for an interview, how to respond to challenging questions, and key questions that you should ask potential employers.

What Comes Next: Finally, we’ll talk about job offers, how to negotiate salary, and how to build lasting relationships in the field. 

Title: How to Find and Land Your Dream Job in the Arts! Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2020, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM* Location: Anymeeting Webinar Platform, online and anywhere you have Internet access Program Fee: $25 Registration: Please register for the program here. Questions: Email learning@nyfa.org

*This workshop will be recorded and shared with all previously-registered participants after the session concludes. It will be available for viewing up to 6 months after the workshop date.

Presenter Maria Villafranca is a nonprofit management consultant with over fifteen years of experience in leadership roles at NYC-based arts organizations. She specializes in helping creatives manage career transitions and/or navigate acute issues such as asking for a raise or handling employee conflict. She has presented on nonprofit management, creative careers, and cultural resources at organizations across the country. She has also held positions, primarily in leadership roles, at The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), Pace Gallery, Marbella Gallery, and the Dactyl Foundation for the Arts & Humanities. She has a BA degree in Art History and English from Rutgers University and an MFA degree in Fiction from Brooklyn College. She currently lives in Philadelphia. 

Want a preview of what to expect during Villafranca’s “How to Find and Land Your Dream Job in the Arts!" online workshop? Read Villafranca’s blog post on the “How, Why, and When to Negotiate Salary.” 

Our 2020 Spring workshop series highlights NYFA Coaching, a professional development service that offers access to one-on-one individual guidance from a variety of arts professionals, including NYFA staff. Our online workshop series and NYFA Coaching are part of NYFA Learning, which includes professional development for artists and arts administrators. Sign up for NYFA’s free bi-weekly newsletter to receive updates on future programs.

Image: Courtesy NYFA Learning

[nyfacurrent]

Register Now | Spring 2020 Online Workshops

Workshops begin on February 18 and are themed around landing your dream job in the arts, artist statements, what funders want to know, and realistic budgets for artists.

New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is pleased to announce the next four workshops in its next Online Learning initiative, which provides professional development workshops to artists and creatives nationally and internationally through a webinar platform. The workshops are all led by specialized coaches from our NYFA Coaching program, who bring many years of experience as art industry leaders to their presentations. As many of our professional development programs are focused on building community, and these online sessions also provide virtual networking opportunities to registered participants.

Each workshop in this series costs $25, and registration starts six weeks prior to the session date.

February 18 How to Find and Land Your Dream Job in the Arts! Presented by Maria Villafranca

Are you passionate about the arts and looking for a career where you can contribute to a vibrant cultural sector? Whether you are an entry-level job-seeker or an experienced manager who is interested in a career transition, this workshop will help you define your career path, find opportunities, and walk you through all stages of a job search from applying to interviewing to negotiating an offer. We’ll discuss arts-specific resources covering a range of disciplines, common application missteps, and how to strategically network in the field. You’ll walk away with a clearer sense of how to frame your career for new opportunities and essential strategies for landing your dream job in the arts.

March 17 Writing About Your Artwork: Artist Statements Presented by Michelle Levy  Register here via Eventbrite

Have you ever found writing an artist statement overwhelming? Not sure where to start or what to include? Have you struggled with staying true to your voice while matching established expectations? Writing an artist statement should be easy—after all, you are the number-one expert on your own work. But the reality is that no matter how good of a writer you are, writing about your own work is never easy because it is so close to you. Yet, it is crucial to have an effective statement that represents your work well and makes an impact. Further, the process of crafting a strong statement is an important exercise for every artist, as it helps clarify your ideas and benefits your artistic development as a whole.

NYFA’s mission to empower working artists and emerging arts organizations across all disciplines at critical stages in their creative lives and professional/organizational development. We aim to be a resource to artists, arts administrators, and students everywhere, especially when so many in our creative community are reeling from lost jobs, opportunities, and income as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

As such, we are taking action in a variety of ways including waiving registration fees on our upcoming webinars. For the following webinars, you will have one month to access the recording after the live session.

April 21 Film Pitches and Grant Applications: What Funders Really Want to Know, and Why Presented by Matthew Seig Register here via Eventbrite

This workshop will review what all funders want to know about you and your film, regardless of whether they are investors and producers (for profit) or donors and foundations (nonprofit). Understanding why funders are asking the questions they ask will help you craft better answers.

May 19 Realistic Budgets for Artists: Breaking down Project ideas for Fundraising Opportunities Presented by Gabriella Calandro and Anne Muntges Register here via Eventbrite

In this workshop, participants will learn how to assign value to their time, clearly allocate and spend money on a project, and how to best structure budgets for project and funding opportunities. Participants will leave the workshop with a better idea of how to paint a clear picture about their project through their budget. 

How It Works:

Each session lasts for 90 minutes, including the lecture and Q&A.

Each session will take place online from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM EST.

Creatives from around the world can join workshops through our webinar platform or international call-in numbers.

Participants will have access to the presenters during the live sessions, and also to the program materials and recordings after the workshops as long as they register before the session starts.

Registrants will have access to the recordings for six months following the session unless otherwise noted.

This program is presented by NYFA Learning. Sign up here to receive NYFA News, a bi-weekly organizational email for upcoming awards, resources, and professional development. NYFA Learning also offers the monthly Con Edison Immigrant Artist Program (IAP) Newsletter if you are interested in opportunities, professional development, events, and tips and advice specific to immigrant artists.

Looking for individualized support? NYFA Coaching gives artists and creatives an opportunity to have personalized consultation sessions specific to their own circumstances and needs. Past NYFA Coaching sessions have focused on topics including cover letter and resume review, portfolio feedback, and support in crafting a fundraising or marketing strategy. Artists set the agenda, pick the coach, and book their one-on-one coaching session. They can attend their appointment via a phone call, Skype, or in person at NYFA’s Brooklyn office (if with NYFA staff).

Image: Amy Aronoff for NYFA

[nyfacurrent]

Register Now | Writing About Your Artwork: Artist Statements

Online workshop will take place on Tuesday, March 17 from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM EST.

New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is pleased to present “Writing About Your Artwork: Artist Statements,” led by Michelle Levy, NYFA Coach, curator, and interdisciplinary artist, on Tuesday, March 17 from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM EST. The workshop is part of our Online Learning initiative that provides professional development workshops to artists and creatives nationally and internationally through a webinar platform, and is the second in our series of Spring 2020 workshops.

Workshop Description: Have you ever found writing an artist statement overwhelming and you’re not sure where to start or what to include? Have you struggled with staying true to your voice while matching established expectations? Writing an artist statement should be easy – after all, you are the number-one expert on your own work. But the reality is that no matter how good of a writer you are, writing about your own work is never easy because it is so close to you. Yet, it is crucial to have an effective statement that represents your work well and makes an impact. Further, the process of crafting a strong statement is an important exercise for every artist, as it helps clarify your ideas and benefits your artistic development as a whole.

This webinar is an overview for artists of all disciplines wishing to improve their artist statements. Attending artists are asked to have a recent statement (300-500 words) with them. Topics covered will include:

The different categories of artist statements and the various purposes they serve (ie: website, press release, etc).  

An analysis of artist statements using examples.

A break-down of the essential building blocks needed for a comprehensive artist statement.

A review of the do’s and don’ts and how to strengthen your existing statement.

Tips for getting out of your head and making a fresh start when you find yourself stuck in a language that is no longer working for you.

The first 20 artists registering for this workshop will have an opportunity to submit their artist statements, some of which will be reviewed and analyzed anonymously as case studies during the live session. Details will be provided on completion of your registration.

Title: Writing About Your Artwork: Artist Statements Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2020, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM*   Location: Online Program Fee: $25  Registration: Please register for the program here. Questions: Email learning@nyfa.org

*This workshop will be recorded and shared with all previously-registered participants after the session concludes. It will be available for viewing up to six months after the workshop date.

Presenter: Michelle Levy is an interdisciplinary artist, arts organizer, and writer, with 18 years of experience working for New York City arts institutions. From 2008 to 2018, Levy was Founding Director of EFA Project Space, an interdisciplinary, socially-engaged exhibition program of The Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts in New York City. While there, she also founded the SHIFT Residency, which fosters the creative practices of New York-based artists who work for arts organizations. Through her role at EFA, she supported the work of over 500 artists and independent curators, fostering dialogue around ethics, visibility, identity, and care. From 2000 to 2008, Levy was Program Manager at the International Print Center New York. She is currently working as an independent consultant for artists, and has worked with NYFA since 2018, first as a “Doctor on Call,” and now as a NYFA Coach, offering remote one-on-one advice and mentorship sessions with artists. In fall 2019, she gave the in-person presentation “Writing an Effective Art Statement” and was a panelist in NYFA’s Artist as Entrepreneur Bootcamp.

Levy's performance-based art practice uses research and storytelling to investigate the mediated spaces where identity is constructed. Her current project "Paulina" enlists archives, travelogues, and ongoing exchange with Polish artist/writer Patrycja Dołowy to investigate the mysterious found-testimony of a Polish-Jewish woman who survived World War II in Poland. From 2018 - 2019, Levy was an artist fellow at POLIN Museum for the History of Polish Jews, Warsaw, PL, and received support from the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, Poland, and Asylum Arts in New York, amongst others. Levy holds a MFA degree in Digital and Interdisciplinary Art Practice from The City College of New York, and a BA degree in Studio Art with a minor in English from Wesleyan University.

Our 2020 Spring workshop series highlights NYFA Coaching, a professional development service that offers access to one-on-one individual guidance from a variety of arts professionals, including NYFA staff. 

This program is part of NYFA Learning, which includes professional development for artists and arts administrators. Sign up for NYFA’s free bi-weekly newsletter to receive updates on future programs.

Image: Courtesy NYFA

[nyfacurrent]

Conversations | Cândida Borges

The IAP mentor and former mentee shares her six considerations for immigrant artists in New York City.

Cândida Borges is a Brazilian musician, transmedia artist, educator, composer, researcher, and IAP participant based in New York City. Her latest work, the Transeuntis Mundi Project, includes a virtual reality installation and sound and image works on the theme of human migration and cultural heritage. This work is a result of her Ph.D. research, pursued at the School of Art, Design and Architecture of the University of Plymouth (United Kingdom). She focuses on new media technology art to compose and express a diverse cultural background.

Her award-winning work has been exhibited worldwide. Besides interdisciplinary works with sound, video, and performance, her career as a musician includes multiple albums, soundtracks, concerts, and shows in the classical and electronic music scene. Learn more about her trajectory below.

NYFA: How has living in New York City influenced your career?  

Cândida Borges: In New York City, I could expand my understanding about art, about life, and about people. Being exposed to such a huge amount of diversity and opportunities to watch or engage in different projects made me finally find a broader space for acting as an artist. From a one-disciplinary perspective as a musician to a transdisciplinary perspective as a transmedia artist, it reinvented my way to be in the world and how I interact with an audience so rich. 

NYFA: Can you tell us about your project Transeuntis Mundi?

CB: This is the main project I am working on at the moment. It is about human and cultural diversity, and it is my gift to New York. Here, I learned we have history; I could discover myself beyond my local community and see that we are made of so many parts of the world: the collectiveness. This is the work: an homage to the human cultural heritage that resulted from millennial walks and migrations. I’ve been experimenting with video for the past few years and this is my first work with virtual reality. I’m absolutely amazed by these possibilities of composition and immersion. 

NYFA: How do you find opportunities to show your work and collaborate?

CB: The key is my absolute discipline to deal with the administration of my career in a professional way. From searching for grants to reaching out to producers and agents, I do all this very consistently and I believe it is something fundamental nowadays. I would also say that when I got here, I already had a career as a musician. I also have been moving between different countries and cities for a while, so my networking is quite strong. 

NYFA: What advice do you have for immigrant artists that are trying to push their career forward?

CB: There is this list I wrote at one of the meetings of the Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program (IAP) at NYFA. Being a mentor for the third year, and starting as a mentee five years ago, I started to realize how the game is played ...

These are my six considerations for Immigrant artists in New York City:

Study art business and career management just like you practice your craft.

Consider your origin and authenticity very closely. We are stories; we are not degrees, CVs, or universities. And we are not universal. The world is looking for new stories and real ones.

Consider your migrational stage. No, opportunities are NOT the same, so strategies can't be either. Consider the kind of visa you have, the language you speak, your level of local networking, etc. Your citizenship will impact tremendously your chances to survive since certain grants are only available to U.S. citizens, Canadians, or Europeans. Also, if you don't have long-time friends in New York City, you can consider this a huge impact, too, and have to work 10 times more on networking.

Decolonize technique–there is no such thing as “the best" technique in the world. There are many different ways of doing something. Look very closely at the way artists express themselves in your home country. There is a lot to learn (and respect) there!

New York is not the center of the world, the universe, or whatever. Consider the rest of the world as full of amazing opportunities, too.

Be healthy and happy. This should be the number one priority in our life, even before being an artist anywhere in the world.

More about Cândida Borges  Borges is also an academic artist, currently a Visiting Scholar in the Department of Computer Music at Columbia University in New York; a Fellow Researcher for the Department of Arts at Antioquia University in Medellín, Colombia; and an Associate Professor at the School of Music at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, since 2009. She holds Masters and Bachelors degrees in Piano Performance (UFRJ), a specialization in Music Production (SAE), and she has been working as an invited Professor and speaker for international institutes such as Montclair State University (USA); Moving Arts Lab Festival (USA) and Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ/ Brazil), among others. 

- Interview Conducted by Alicia Ehni, Program Officer

This post is part of the ConEdison Immigrant Artist Program Newsletter #124. Subscribe to this free monthly e-mail for artist’s features, opportunities, and events. Learn more about NYFA Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program.

Image: Cândida Borges, Photo Credit: Andrew Sainte Howard

[nyfacurrent]

Register Now | Fall 2019 Online Workshops

Workshops begin on September 17 and will cover proposal writing, the logistics of exhibition planning, and more.

New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is pleased to announce its next Online Learning initiative to provide professional development workshops to artists and creatives nationally and internationally through a webinar platform.

Arts professionals in all disciplines, organization types, and sizes can now explore the fundamental principles of sustainability in the arts and the essentials of working in the arts industry from anywhere with an internet connection. As many of our professional development programs are focused on building community, these online sessions also provide virtual networking opportunities to registered participants. Each session in this series costs $25. Registration starts six weeks prior to the workshop date.

The 2019 fall workshops are all led by alumni from NYFA’s Emerging Leaders Program. Now in its fifth year, NYFA’s Emerging Leaders Boot Camp is a free leadership development program for arts administrators from all disciplines within commuting distance to New York City. NYFA firmly believes that through this program, we make an investment in the cultural infrastructure that will ultimately benefit the entire field, building stronger connections and shared knowledge between artists and arts administrators.

September 17 Proposal Writing: How to Work Smarter, Not Harder, on Getting What You Want Presented by Rebecca Guber, Founder & Director, Asylum Arts

Many opportunities for artists require written proposals, which can seem like a skill far removed from your artistic process. This session will delve into how to open doors by presenting your best self and work in written proposals. We will touch on the different types of proposals and how to begin the process. We will also go into the different pieces of a proposal including the introductory letter, project description, artistic statement, bio, CV, and budget. Guber will shed light on what happens during the review process, and discuss the most common missteps artists make.

October 22 Exhibitions: Polished and Professional Production Presented by Heidi Elbers, Director of Exhibitions, New York Academy of Art Register: Please register for the program here.

Are you looking to create an opportunity to show your work? Or maybe you have a great idea for an exhibition and don’t know where to start? This workshop is meant to help you develop a professional exhibition from start to finish. It will review the universal documents and terms involved in exhibition production, which is also helpful for those considering a shift towards an exhibition admin role. The focus will be on the more logistical side of exhibition planning but also keeping it creative so you feel in control to “choose your own adventure.” Elbers looks forward to helping you to produce a top-notch exhibition.

November 19 Digital Marketing: How to Stay Authentic, Efficient, and Effective Presented by Reynaldi Lindner Lolong, Associate Director, Digital Engagement, The Public Theater Register: Please register for the program here.

From email to social media to websites, digital communications are part of our way of life, and are an essential part of any arts marketer’s toolkit. But how can we leverage these tools to communicate an artistic product and also create meaningful connections with our audiences? And in an ever-changing media landscape, how do you know what approach is right for you?

Aimed at individual artists or arts administrators just wanting to get the pulse of the digital landscape, this workshop will look at two contrasting examples of how traditional marketing plans ladder up into digital strategy. We’ll also look at some best practices across different social platforms, as well as tips and tricks for measuring success.

How It Works:

Each session lasts for 90 minutes, including the lecture and Q&A.

Each session will take place from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM EST.

Creatives from around the world can join workshops through our webinar platform or international call-in numbers.

Participants will have access to the presenters during the live sessions, and also to the program materials and recordings after the workshops as long as they register before the session starts.

Registrants will have access to the recordings for six months following the session.

This program is part of NYFA Learning, which includes professional development for artists and arts administrators. Sign up for NYFA’s free bi-weekly newsletter to receive updates on future programs.

Image: Courtesy NYFA Learning

[nyfacurrent]

Conversations | Changing the World With Your Art, While  Maintaining a Work-Life Balance

Find out how to stay focused and keep your mind, art, and heart inspired with a few tips from the IAP Interview Archives.

Below you’ll find top tips and advice for immigrant artists and creatives collected from conversations featured in IAP Newsletters across the years. Whether you’re telling your personal story, looking for a residency, or balancing a 9-to-5 job with your artistic practice, read on to learn more about the fine art of wearing multiple hats in the art world. For the full conversations, click on the interviewees' names below. 

NYFA: What advice would you give to artists who are looking to share their personal story in the hopes of inspiring large social change but who do not know where to start?

Ambika Samarthya-Howard: I think the hardest part of sharing your personal story is that when people reject it, it feels like they are rejecting you. This is true if you are a writer or a video producer, or a painter. Art is always hard because it’s a reflection of your identity in so many ways, but it’s even harder when it’s a personal story that’s already fraught with vulnerability, like stories of trauma.

My advice is to first step back and ask yourself if you want/need to tell this story. I’ve often found telling my story to be key to personal growth and very cathartic and so whether it’s accepted in a film festival or publication, I was happy to tell it. Second, do you want to put this story out there? Artists can have personal projects that they don’t share and I think it’s worth asking, especially with sensitive subject matters, if it makes sense to put this out into the world. How would a public critique or rude comment on YouTube make you feel? Lastly, connecting to community and other artists can often make this process easier and help through the journey of not only producing the work, but also the much harder process of sharing it and finding the right channels for distribution.

Martita Abril: I found it was critical to be comfortable with myself and my own style and to embrace and engage my fellow immigrant artists like the community embraced me.

Techung: Well, immigrant artists naturally face more challenges, but they should never give up on their art and instead work toward finding possibilities. There are a lot of kind people out there—organizations such as NYFA and others who will support, give feedback, and guidance—but the drive should come from the artists themselves. It takes time and energy to succeed and one must not feel shy or discouraged to ask for help. Keep your mind, heart, and art inspired.

Angélica Dass: For me, the role of an artist is to start a conversation. Because, in the end, I really believe that I can’t change the world; the only person that I can change is myself. But if we talk more about these issues that you feel are not right outside (and as an artist you are able to put these inflections in the making of art), maybe other people can decide they want to change themselves. So that is why I see the role of the artist as someone that uses something (photography, archive, images, etc.) to generate empathy and propose a discussion that can have a direct impact on our collective future. 

I always have the same advice for my students and it is: “Be honest!” It looks like something very basic, but really, be honest! You know it when you are doing something that is not right, not coherent, in a work of art. This is something that I miss in the art world, sometimes. Maybe we can be too critical and too political in a piece, but the truth is that we are just showing one side. My other advice is to give back. Give back to the community that you’re working with and try to be coherent and respectful of them.   

Sébastien Sanz de Santamaría: When artists are applying for opportunities, they should ask these four questions: What do I need to advance my creative practice? Does this opportunity (grant, residency, workshop, etc.) provide the resources and means for me to advance my practice? Do I have all the requirements necessary to apply? Have I reviewed all the details of the program entirely? I think to be successful you must select the right opportunity at the right time. After that, I think perseverance is very important. Normally, one successful experience takes you to the next one, in a process that is connected with your artwork.

Ronny Quevedo: If there is something you need help with, reach out to someone that can help you. We shouldn’t be ashamed of our unfamiliarity with something. For example, I didn’t know how to develop a budget for a very long time. Try not to hide what you think you are not good at, instead be more proactive about facing what challenges you.

NYFA: What are your tips for balancing a job with an artistic practice?

Gisela Insuaste: I think of them [my job and artistic practice] as part of my identity as a human being (and engaged in activities that are important to me), and avoid thinking of these as separate, vying for my time and energy. I see them in collaboration.

Ideally, the administrative work connects, informs, or inspires my artistic practice and vice-versa, but most importantly, aligns with my values. Actually, that’s the case for all activities, relationships, etc. in my life. I’d like to say that once your values are aligned, then everything is perfect! But that’s not the case—it’s also about time management and prioritizing the work, making adjustments, always. Sometimes, administrative work will require more time, while a creative project takes back seat. Shifting gears for a 35-mile bike ride in the hills is just as important if your body and mind need to be outdoors.

A good practice for me is to take moments to play and socialize during intense work, either in the office or studio, with friends or colleagues. If need be, set parameters with people or spaces to manage time—decide what’s important to get the work done and surround yourself with what you think you’ll need. Assess where you’re at with your projects/personal well-being. Sleep, eat well. Go outdoors for a walk and get some Vitamin D!

Marco Antonio Castro: I have been active in the New York arts community since my arrival in 2005. I co-founded and curated MoD (Monitor Digital), the first Interactive Art Festival in Guadalajara, Mexico. We brokered partnerships in the public and private sector to give new audiences an access point to explore digital art and performances. From 2007 to 2013, I guided the vision, curatorial strategies, fundraising, and assessment for the annual festival, while tapping the diverse arts community that thrives in New York. MoD’s public programs, workshops, performances, and artists expanded the festival’s reach to ultimately serve as a pipeline for international artists to connect and collaborate across borders. The festival has helped me understand the process and care needed to reach new audiences and how to make a digital exhibition as inviting as possible without lowering the quality of the content. This has helped me in my practice to make sure I know how to talk about my projects in different ways, to make them understandable by different audiences.

Catherine Yu: For an art form so bound to structure and plot, remember with relief that life works differently from art. Life often goes off-script. For those who feel daunted by the unknown, allow me to quote the great poet Rainer Maria Rilke: “The future enters into us in this way in order to transform itself in us long before it happens.”

Leeza Ahmady: One of the skills I’ve managed to develop is to keep the insight that the art world has many parts and that each part plays an important role at the forefront of my mind. I see it as an ecology, a landscape. Because of this perspective, I’ve been able to include and engage with all spectrums of the art scene: the nonprofit and for-profit museums and galleries, academic institutions, art biennials and festivals, smaller arts organizations with similar missions, community organizations, and artistic collectives as well as auction houses and art fairs. I have achieved this by being conscious of each entity’s mission and by creating and envisioning programs that appeal and address the needs of all these varying operating sectors while keeping the empowerment and promotion of artists at the very top of ACAW’s priority. It’s all about making practical, conceptual use of what resources are already there and sharing the spotlight without being invasive of any one’s territory.

- Interview Conducted by Alicia Ehni, Program Officer at NYFA Learning

This interview is part of the ConEdison Immigrant Artist Program Newsletter #120. Subscribe to this free monthly e-mail for artist’s features, opportunities, and events.

Images from Top: Angélica Dass, Yo Soy Somos, Courtesy the artist; Ronny Quevedo, no hay medio tempo: there is no halftime (detail), 2017, Queens Museum, Photo Credit: Hai Zhang

[nyfacurrent]

Announcing | Creative Careers Online Workshop Series

Learn about the intricacies of choosing a creative career from the comfort of your home, studio, or anywhere with internet access.

The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is pleased to announce its next Online Learning initiative to provide professional development workshops to arts administrators and arts professionals nationally and internationally through a webinar platform.

Arts professionals in all disciplines, organization types, and sizes can now explore the principles of working in the arts industry from anywhere with an internet connection. As many of our professional development programs are focused on building community, these online sessions also provide virtual networking opportunities to registered participants.

The “NYFA Online Learning: Creative Careers” series is curated by Mara Vlatković and is designed to guide you on the ins and outs of being a professional in the arts industry. Whether you're just starting out, have been in the midst of it for years, or are looking for new challenges or opportunities, you'll find great advice and inspiration in this series. You can register for all the workshops in a row as they build off of each other, or attend the one that speaks to your current situation and needs.

Each session in this series costs $25. Registration starts six weeks prior to the workshop date.

April 30 Finding a Job in the Arts Presented by Adrienne Stortz, Director of Special Projects, Arts Initiative & Miller Theatre, Columbia University Registration: Please register for the program here.

Are you new to job hunting in the arts? Or are you looking for new opportunities but haven't been a jobseeker for a few years? The arts world can be challenging to navigate: what does “networking” mean in an age of social media, how do you determine which jobs you want, where do you find job postings, and how do you make your resume really stand out? This workshop will take you through the process of finding a new job, including searching, applying, interviewing, and negotiating an offer. You will come away with a clear roadmap of how to land your next dream gig in the arts.

May 21 Arts Administration: Defining Roles Presented by Andrew Taylor, Associate Professor of Arts Management, American University Registration: Please register for the program here.

Arts Administration and Arts Management are broad terms that contain a multitude of roles and functions. What’s the best fit for you, and how do you find and grow into the work you’re most connected to? This session will explore the many parts and players that transform creative inspiration into fully realized artistic work—from production and management to marketing, development, operations, finance, education, and more. If you’re thinking of switching or extending your work in the arts, or hoping to connect your strongest skills with the art-world’s greatest needs, come learn about the individual pieces and the whole that make the arts and artists thrive.

June 18 Navigating Office Politics Presenter to be announced.

There is no workplace without office politics. Water cooler conversations, favoritism, micromanagement, work friends—they're all part of a larger structure that informs your day-to-day work experience. Learn how to navigate and use the organizational framework of your workplace to advance and excel in your career. Small changes and adjustments can have a large impact and can make everyone's work day easier and more comfortable. Identify new ways of managing up or down and how to grow in organizations that might lack support, professional development, or good HR practices.

How It Works:

Each session lasts for 90 minutes, including the lecture and Q&A.

Each session will take place from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM EST.

Creatives from around the world can join workshops through our webinar platform or international call-in numbers.

Participants will have access to the presenters during the live sessions, and also to the program materials and recordings after the workshops as long as they register before the session starts.

Registrants will have access to the recordings for six months following the session.

This program is part of NYFA Learning, which includes professional development for artists and arts administrators. Sign up for NYFA’s free bi-weekly newsletter to receive updates on future programs.

Image: Online learning participant. Background: Margeaux Walter, Ready Set, 2014, Digital C-Print mounted to aluminum, Photo Credit: NYFA

[nyfacurrent]

Apply Now | Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program: Performing & Literary Arts

The deadline to apply to this competitive, NYC-based program is Monday, July 29.

Through the support of The Vilcek Foundation, New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is pleased to announce our upcoming Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program: Performing & Literary Arts. The program will run from August to December 2019, and is open to performing artists working in music and composition, dance and choreography, performance art, and theater arts (acting, producing, directing), and writers including playwrights, storytellers, and poets, as well as those working in fiction and nonfiction. In bringing these two disciplines together, the program aims to nurture a productive environment for collaboration.

NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program pairs immigrant artists working in all disciplines with artist mentors who provide one-on-one peer support, guiding them to achieve specific goals for their artistic practice and providing them with broader access to the New York cultural world and beyond through an exchange of ideas, resources, and experiences.

Most importantly, the mentoring program fosters a community, providing opportunities to connect with other immigrant artists through group meetings, peer learning, and informal gatherings that include alumni from 2007 to the present. Through access to other artists, arts professionals, and organizations, the program offers immigrant artists the opportunity to focus on their career goals while navigating the shared experience and challenges of being an immigrant artist.

NYFA’s Cultural Partners for this program are: Center for Traditional Music and Dance, Dance/NYC, Exploring the Metropolis, Flushing Town Hall, Gibney, Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning, Joe’s Pub, Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Poetry Society of America, and Word Up Community Bookshop/Librería Comunitaria.

Testimonials:

“The experience widened my network and strengthened my community. I met some of the best people through this program—even when they were from different artistic backgrounds—and it encouraged me to be more open about my art form. The organizers were wonderful and extremely supportive throughout my process of reestablishing my place in this city, and I'm so glad I got to be a part of the program.”  - Samira Sadeque (IAP: Performing & Literary Arts ’18), journalist and poet

“NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program was a great opportunity to connect with an emerging community of immigrant artists. It also provided me with the tools to understand the areas I had to work on to obtain more and better opportunities as an artist. The structure of the program was clear and effective. Among its most significant benefits was the individual feedback I received from my mentor and other participants. I started the program looking for resources to help produce my work as a choreographer, but I left with vastly more..." - Christopher Núñez (IAP: Performing & Literary Arts ’18), choreographer

Eligibility:

● Performing artists, including music and composition, dance and choreography, performance art, theater arts (acting, producing, directing), and writers (fiction, non-fiction, playwrights, poets, and storytellers). This includes all folk and traditional arts in these disciplines ● Live within the New York City Metropolitan area (within commuting distance of New York City) ● Were born outside of the United States (Those born in United States territories, i.e. Puerto Rico or The U.S. Virgin Islands, may apply) ● Have been pursuing a career as an artist within the range of 1-10 years in the United States ● Are NOT currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate degree program

Mandatory Sessions:*

Introduction: Monday, August 26, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Meet the Mentors: Monday, September 23, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Alumni Mixer Meeting: Monday, October 7, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Check In: Monday, November 18, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Final Celebration: Monday, December 9, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

*Attendance is mandatory to all sessions, please check your calendar before applying

Location: All meetings will be held at New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), 20 Jay Street, Suite 740, Brooklyn, NY 11201 unless otherwise notified. 

Application Deadline: Monday, July 29, 2019, 11:59 PM EST

To Apply: Applicants can apply via Submittable. First-time users will need to register with Submittable to access the application portal.

Notification: by Monday, August 12, 2019

Questions? Contact the IAP Team at i.outreach@nyfa.org.

This program is made possible with the generous support of The Vilcek Foundation.

Learn more about the Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program, and don’t forget to sign up for the monthly Con Edison IAP Newsletter to receive opportunities and events as well as artist features directly in your inbox.

Image: Samira Sadeque (IAP: Performing & Literary Arts ‘18), Photo Credit: Harsh Mall 

[nyfacurrent]

Event | NYFA Resources and Services Talk in Saratoga Springs, NY

Artists of all disciplines are invited to join us for this free event in Saratoga Springs, NY on Saturday, July 13.

The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), in partnership with New York State Council on the Arts’ (NYSCA) State & Local Partnerships program, will present a free public program for artists of all disciplines in collaboration with Saratoga Arts. This programming is part of NYFA’s entrepreneurial training in the Adirondacks, the Capital Region, the North Country, and surrounding areas.

NYFA will present an overview of our free and low-cost national programs and services. Whether you’re trying to raise money to finish a particular project, seeking feedback on your work, looking for an artistic residency, or trying to find a job, NYFA has resources that you can use to help you sustain and grow your artistic practice. We will provide information on the NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship, an unrestricted grant of $7,000 for which artists living and working in New York state are eligible. Applications for the 2019-20 cycle will open in Fall 2019.

Title: NYFA Resources and Services Talk Program Date: Saturday, July 13, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Location: Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Register: RSVP here via Eventbrite Questions: Email learning@nyfa.org

For questions about Saratoga Springs, email Tanya at ttobias@saratoga-arts.org.

This program is made possible through New York State Council on the Arts, State & Local Partnerships, with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

This program is part of NYFA Learning, which includes professional development for artists and arts administrators. Sign up for NYFA’s free bi-weekly newsletter to receive updates on future programs.

Image: Know Your Right Workshop, January 2019, Photo: NYFA Learning Staff

[nyfacurrent]

Event | Doctor’s Hours for Film/Video, New Media, and Multidisciplinary Artists

This Monday, April 1 event will offer one-on-one individual consultations with industry professionals.

Are you a film/video, new media, or multidisciplinary artist in need of some career advice? The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is pleased to announce an upcoming session of its popular Doctor’s Hours program, which is designed to provide creatives with practical and professional advice. Starting at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 11, you can register for 20-minute, one-on-one appointments with up to three arts professionals to ask questions and receive actionable tips for advancing your arts career.

Title: Doctor’s Hours for Film/Video, New Media, and Multidisciplinary Artists Program Date and Time: Monday, April 1, 2019, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM   Location: The New York Foundation for the Arts, 20 Jay Street, Suite 740, Brooklyn NY, 11201 Cost: $38 per 20-minute appointment; three appointment limit per artist Register: Please click here to register

If you can not participate in our Doctor’s Hours program on April 1, you can book a one-on-one remote consultation via Skype through our new Doctor’s Hours On Call program.

Read our Tips & FAQs in English and Spanish to make the most of your Doctor’s Hours appointment. For questions, email learning@nyfa.org.

Consultants

Livia Bloom Ingram, Film Curator and Vice President of Icarus Films Icarus Films is a distribution firm that The New York Times calls "a haven for nonfiction films that are at once socially conscious and supremely artful." Ingram has presented programs at venues including the Cinémathèque Française, Museum of the Moving Image, and The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). She is the editor of the book Errol Morris: Interviews (University Press of Mississippi, 2009), and her writing has appeared in journals including Cinema Scope, Cineaste, Filmmaker, and Film Comment.

Iyabo Boyd, Independent Film Producer, Writer/Director, and Entrepreneur Boyd is currently producing the feature documentary For Ahkeem by Emmy-winning directors Jeremy Levine and Landon Van Soest. She previously held positions at filmmaker support institutions Chicken & Egg Pictures, Tribeca Film Institute, Hamptons Film Festival, and IFP. In 2015, Boyd started the Brown Girls Doc Mafia, a collective for women filmmakers of color, and in 2016 she founded the documentary consulting firm Feedback Loop. Boyd is a 2016 Sundance Creative Producers Fellow, and a 2016 Impact Partners Creative Producers Fellow. She graduated from NYU’s Tisch School with a BA degree in Film & Television in 2006. 

Peter Gynd, Director, Lesley Heller Gallery Gynd is an independent curator, fifth generation artist, and the director at Lesley Heller Gallery in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Gynd studied at the Alberta College of Art and Design and has exhibited in both Canada and the United States. Notable exhibitions curated by Gynd include a permanent exhibition at the Foundation Center, NY; an acclaimed two-person presentation at SPRING/BREAK Art Show (2015); and group exhibitions at Present Company, NY; NARS Foundation, NY; the Northside Festival, NY; Lesley Heller Workspace, NY; and at the Dynamo Arts Association, Vancouver, Canada. Gynd’s exhibitions have been featured in Hyperallergic, The Carnegie Reporter, Blouin Artinfo, and Gothamist. Gynd has been a guest visitor at Residencies Unlimited, Kunstraum, and ChaNorth Artist Residency, and a guest juror at 440 Gallery and Sweet Lorraine Gallery.

Dr. Les Joynes, Multimedia Artist Joynes' work has been documented in Art Monthly, Sculpture Magazine, NHK Television, and in two recent books on site-specific art. He is co-author of Going Beyond: Art as Adventure and Museum 2050 (Cambridge Scholars, 2018). A Visiting Professor at Renmin University, Beijing, Joynes has given lectures on multi-media art at Cambridge University; Columbia University; University of California; and Peking University, Beijing. In New York, he is a scholar on art and visual cultures at Columbia University and serves on the Editorial Board for ProjectAnywhere, a collaborative project between University of Melbourne, Australia, and Parsons School of Design, The New School. Recently selected as a ZERO1: Art and Technology Artist, Joynes is also recipient of the Erasmus Scholarship for the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-arts, Paris; the Japan Ministry of Culture Scholarship, Tokyo; and the Fulbright-Hays Award. He has also been a Fellow at University of the Arts London and the Bauhaus, Dessau. 

Matthew Lyons, Curator, The Kitchen As Curator at The Kitchen, Lyons has organized numerous exhibitions, performances, and other programs since 2005. Recent work includes projects with Chitra Ganesh, Trajal Harrell, nora chipaumire, Xaviera Simmons, Sarah Michelson, Aki Sasamoto, Constance DeJong, Kembra Pfahler, and Katherine Hubbard. Upcoming work includes projects with Moriah Evans and Lea Bertucci. During his tenure, he has organized group exhibition including The Rehearsal; The View from a Volcano: The Kitchen’s SoHo Years 1971-1985; One Minute More; Just Kick It Till It Breaks (catalog); Between Thought and Sound: Graphic Notation in Contemporary Music (catalog); and The Future As Disruption. He has also worked on the group exhibitions Dance Dance Revolution at Columbia University, Character Generator at Eleven Rivington Gallery, and Two Moon July at Paula Cooper Gallery. Lyons has contributed catalog essays on the work of Mika Tajima and Vlatka Horvat, and other writing has appeared in Document Journal, Flash Art, PERFORMA 07: Everywhere and All at Once, and Work the Room: A Handbook of Performance Strategies. He is Contributing Editor at Movement Research Performance Journal, having edited its “Six Sides, Typologically Distinct: Black Box / White Cube” series, which he initiated, between 2009-2015.

Blandine Mercier-McGovern, Content Strategy & Film Acquisitions, Distribution Executive Mercier-McGovern is a passionate and innovative film acquisition, content strategy, and distribution executive based in Brooklyn. While Head of Licensing & Content Strategy at Kanopy and Head of Distribution at Cinema Guild, Blandine discovered, acquired, and led the release of hundreds of award-winning films, from the big screen to video-on-demand. She’s an avid podcast and audiobook listener, and was a ”Made in NY” Women’s Film, TV and Theatre Fund panelist in 2018.

Anne Wheeler, Curatorial Associate, The Whitney Museum of American Art Wheeler is a New York-based artist, curator, writer, and art historian. She received her BA degree from the University of California, Berkeley, double-majoring in English and the Practice of Art, and is now an ABD doctoral candidate in Art History at the Institute of Fine Arts at NYU, specializing in Modern and Contemporary Art. Wheeler joined the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in 2010 at the founding of its Panza Collection Initiative research project, and served as assistant curator for the major international loan exhibitions On Kawara – Silence (2015) and Peter Fischli David Weiss: How to Work Better (2016). With Shawna Vesco, Wheeler curated the apexart Franchise Program exhibition Un-Working the Icon: Kurdish 'Warrior-Divas' in Berlin, Germany, in 2017. Wheeler is currently working as a curatorial associate at the Whitney Museum of American Art, guiding the acquisition of a major gift from the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation as she completes her doctoral dissertation titled 'Language as Material: Rereading Robert Smithson.'

Lauren Zelaya, Acting Director of Public Programs, Brooklyn Museum Zelaya is a cultural producer, curator, and museum educator based in Brooklyn, NY. At Brooklyn Museum, Zelaya curates and produces the Target First Saturdays and other free and low-cost public programs that invite over 100,000 visitors a year to engage with special exhibitions and collections in new and unexpected ways. As a curator, advocate, and educator, Zelaya is committed to collaborating with emerging artists and centering voices in our communities that are often marginalized, with a focus on film and performance and creating programming for and with LGBTQ+, immigrant, and Caribbean communities. In her spare time she hosts a bi-weekly radio show celebrating creatives in Brooklyn and is a screener for the Brooklyn Film Festival. Known and respected equally for her nail art and her fierce commitment to bringing art and culture to the people, Zelaya was named one of Brooklyn Magazine’s “30 Under 30″ in 2018. Previously, she worked in education at the Queens Museum and the Museum of the Moving Image, and with emerging artists in Queens as a program coordinator with the Queens Council on the Arts. She is a proud alumna of the Brooklyn Museum’s Education and Public Programs Fellowship and received her BA degree in Art History and Film Studies from Smith College.

Event Accessibility

The New York Foundation for the Arts is committed to making events held at the NYFA office at 20 Jay Street in Brooklyn accessible. If you are mobility-impaired and need help getting to NYFA’s office for events held on premises, we are pleased to offer complimentary car service from the wheelchair accessible Jay Street-MetroTech subway station courtesy of transportation sponsor Legends Limousine. Please email learning@nyfa.org or call 212.366.6900 ext. 252 between 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM at least three business days in advance of the event to coordinate. The elevator access point for pickup is at 370 Jay Street, on the NE corner of Jay and Willoughby Streets.

This program is presented by NYFA Learning. Sign up here to receive our bi-weekly newsletter for the latest updates and news about programs and opportunities for artists.

Image: Doctor’s Hours, September 2017, Photo Credit: NYFA Learning

[nyfacurrent]

Conversations | Keren Anavy, Israeli Artist and IAP Alumna

“I see collaboration as another way of making art and developing as an artist in a broader community."

Keren Anavy is an Israeli painter, installation artist, and alumna of NYFA’s 2017 Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program. Her work explores the dynamic relationships between nature, culture, and site. Anavy is interested in how cultivated landscape, as well as wild nature, can function as cultural agents in Eastern and Western societies. For her recent exhibition at the Sunroom Project Space in Wave Hill, she created an immersive installation.

On March 10, 2019, Utopia, a new interdisciplinary work and Anavy’s collaboration with choreographer Valerie Green, will be performed by Valery Green/Dance Entropy at Pioneer Works.

NYFA: Can you tell us about your collaboration projects in Mexico and New York, including the upcoming Utopia at Pioneer Works?

Keren Anavy: Alongside my work as an individual artist, I have developed two significant collaborations in recent years. Utopia is a collaboration with Valerie Green/Dance Entropy based in Queens. Choreographed by Valerie Green with original music by Mark Katsaounis, the evening-length work explores the idea of a perfect place through dance and visual art. The piece questions whether Utopia is an internal place, investigated through personal and intimate moments and alongside the community. 

I turned my large-scale paintings into 10-foot cylindrical pillars to be used throughout the performance. The original paintings were exhibited at my solo show, Garden of Living Images, at the Sunroom Project Space in Wave Hill (2018), which references Chinese scrolls and the fabled Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The pillars act as an extension of the internal world, constantly forming barriers, spaces, and other environments for the dancers to both react to and orchestrate. The notion of what it means to be safe persists inside a dynamic art installation which is in perpetual motion, being constantly built and dismantled. Utopia challenges the viewer’s conception of how art, dance, and design interact with and influence one another. Utopia has been shown at Danspace Project, St. Mark's Church, New York and at the Queens Museum, among others, and is going to be performed at Pioneer Works’ Second Sundays on March 10.

My second collaboration is an established ongoing collaboration for the past eight years with Tal Frank, Israeli born sculptor, currently based in Mexico City. Our research-based projects explore the dynamic relationship between nature and culture through the lens of specific sites and locations. Our recent exhibition, Compositions for Stones of Gold (2018), supported by Asylum Arts’ New York grant, was a site-specific installation in a historic building in Mexico City. We investigated archaeological sites of water-related structures such as aqueducts and ruins both in Mexico and Israel in order to scrutinize the relationship between place, nature, and identity. We’ve had exhibitions in Mexico and Israel as well as a formative experience at the Everglades National Park residency in Florida (AIRIE Program), where we further perfected our work process dynamics for a month at the reserve.

NYFA: You are an alumna of NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program (IAP): Visual Arts. How did participating in this program help your career?

KA: First and foremost it allowed me to be part of a valuable community of international artists who care about each other and are willing to share ideas and contribute from their knowledge and experience. The possibility of being in dialogue with additional practitioners about career development strategies as an artist helped me to grow professionally.

I greatly appreciated the feedback I received during some of the meetings with the mentors and mentees. I deeply benefitted from these conversations. Learning from the experience of the whole community of artists (mentees and mentors), originally from many different places, showed me various career paths to learn from and provided me with confidence and lots of inspiration.

NYFA:  How do you find opportunities and resources? 

KA: There are social media accounts, of course, and newsletters from wonderful organizations such as NYFA (the best!), Residency Unlimited, Res Artis, and many more, but this is basic in order to get to know the field. I think an artist should focus on places that are relevant to their concepts and practice, research them in depth, and learn what they have to offer specifically. Another great resource is the resumes of artists you admire and who are interested in issues similar to yours. It is a great way to discover programs and places that can be relevant for you.

NYFA:  Any advice to immigrant artists living in NYC who are interested in collaborations? 

KA: Residency programs are a good place to start developing connections with different art professionals and to establish future collaborations and projects. I really believe in the residency framework and I think it's a format that gives a significant anchor to an immigrant artist in an artistic metropolitan area like New York. The programs are very different from one another, I suggest that artists explore the existing programs and try to find one that fits their character, practice, and artistic goals. Research is one of the most important things and if you can visit the program in open studio days, I highly recommend it. It helps to feel the vibe of the place, and it’s also fun as an artist to be from time to time on the other side. I learned a lot from these events. In general, in New York, there are many open studios events in studio buildings (not limited to residency programs). Visiting them can be very rewarding since in a relatively short time you can see a lot of artists with different approaches and connect after the event with potential collaborators and with those who have similar interest.

See as much art as you can and be open-minded about other mediums. Visit venues that show multidisciplinary art, for example, BRIC, Flux Factory, Pioneer Works, The Kitchen, and many more. Also, visit non-profit art organizations that focus on a particular medium or specific technique (print, textile, etc) and that you might have the interest to collaborate with. Last (but which actually needs to be first in order of priority) are my favorites, the most friendly and important for your development as an artist in a community, the artist-run galleries.

Utopia will be performed at Pioneer Works’ Second Sundays on March 10, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM.

This interview is part of the ConEdison Immigrant Artist Program Newsletter #114. Subscribe to this free monthly e-mail for artist’s features, opportunities, and events.

Images from Top: Keren Anavy in collaboration with Valerie Green/Dance Entropy, Utopia, 2018, documentation of performance at Danspace Project, St. Mark's Church, New York, Photo Credit: Stephan Delas Heras; Keren Anavy in collaboration with Tal Frank, Compositions for Stones of Gold, 2018, installation view, site-specific installation, The Gallery of the Cultural Institute Mexico-Israel, Mexico City, oil on linen, wood, Pyrite stones, video animation screening, Photo credit: Zony Maya, Keren Anavy, Garden of Living Images, 2018, (detail), site-specific installation, Wave Hill, Sunroom Project Space, ink and colored pencils on transparent Mylar, polyethylene ponds full of water with ink, vinyl cover the windows, Photo credit: Stefan Hagen, courtesy of the artist and Wave Hill