What In The World Is An Artist Statement?

Artists from all disciplines joined us in October for our “Crafting An Artist Statement” workshop!

What in the world is an artist statement? This is a question I hear from a lot of artists, no matter the discipline they practice. From websites to press kits to applying for grants and even MFA programs, an artist statement is an essential part of an artist’s toolkit for success. Despite its importance, so many artists have no clue where to begin, when it comes to writing one. So TCP decided to host a workshop guiding local artists through the beginning stages of the process.

Our workshop focused on getting artists to self reflect and describe their art in their own, unique terms. From there we built and fleshed out the beginnings of an artist statement. Artist statements will change over time, as you will as an artist. It is important to have one that you can adjust as you and your art practice grows and fluctuates. Here are some key takeaways from our workshop.

WHAT IS AN ARTIST STATEMENT?

An artist statement conveys who you are, what type of art/ content you create and why you create it.

An artist statement IS NOT a resume or biography. Your resume is where you’re going to list out your accolades, achievements and positions you’ve held in your field. Your biography may also mention these accolades and awards while giving more background information on yourself.

However, an artist statement is about the WHY and HOW and WHAT. Why do you practice your art form? How do you do it? Is it poetry, sculpture or music? What materials do you use? How do you hope to change current conditions in the world with your artwork?

IN YOUR ARTIST STATEMENT, YOU’LL WANT TO INCLUDE:

  • A bit of background information on how you got involved in your discipline
  • Why (end goal) you do the work that you do
  • Why your work is unique/ important
  • Depending on the length of the statement, include information/ background on specific project/ work

THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ARTIST STATEMENTS

Depending on what you’re using your artist statement for, you’ll want it to be different lengths. A short artist statement (a few sentences to a paragraph) can be used for press kits and in emails, when you’re reaching out for press coverage or perhaps even just making a new acquaintance.

A general artist statement is around one page long- these statements are useful for your website and for applying to things like grants/ funding or even a MFA program.

Sometimes, you’ll be required to write an artist statement on a particular project you’re working on. Make sure you directly address why you created your project and the things you hope to accomplish with it.

WHEN WRITING YOUR ARTIST STATEMENT, DO:

  • Use direct, to the point, easy to read language
  • Mention RELEVANT experiences
  • Write in the first person (Use “I”, don’t refer to yourself in the third person)
  • Convey why/ how this work is important to you/ your life
  • Tie your different art forms together (what is the collective mission of your art?)

AND DON’T:

  • Use long, confusing language
  • Spend a paragraph talking about your life/ upbringing
  • List off all of your achievements
  • Compare yourself to famous artists/ creatives (instead of “my art is like ___,” you can say “my art is influencesd/informed by ___”

Remember: your artist statement is not where you’re trying to fit everything in. You have your resume to list off your positions/ achievements and you have your bio to describe your past/ upbringing in more detail. There’s a reason why all three of these things are separate.

TIPS ON GETTING STARTED ON YOUR OWN ARTIST STATEMENT

Try free writing first. Take five to ten minutes to write down words and phrases that come to mind when thinking of your art.

In your statement try to answer these following questions:

  • Why is my personal experience relevant to anyone but me?”
  • What does your art say about the world you live in? What can people learn from your art that might be useful to them? Use your art to illustrate some larger issue, topic, culture, or idea that others can relate to or learn from.
  • What did you make it out of and how did you make it?
  • What sort of culture, topic, or issue does your art describe?
  • What do you expect your audience to gain from your art?

Transformative Culture Project

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The Transformative Culture Project (TCP) uses arts & culture to create solutions to the most pressing challenges facing communities and the creative economy.

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