Applying to Artist Opportunities: Grants, Juried Shows, Residencies and Get Noticed.

For artists, navigating the world of grants, residencies, and juried shows can feel like threading a labyrinth blindfolded. But fear not, intrepid creatives! This guide equips you with the tools to stand out from the crowd and make your artistic voice heard.

“Only apply to shows that fit you.”

“Complete the application to a T.”

“Label entries properly.”

“Include only your best work.”

“Submit a cohesive body of work.”

“Pay attention to the order.”

“Have outstanding images of your work.”

“Write a standout artist statement and CV.”

“Remember art is an evolving process.”

“Be a juror or curator yourself!”

Captivate the Jury’s Gaze:

• Tailor, Tailor, Tailor: Research the specific criteria and mission of each opportunity. Showcase your work in alignment with their values, not just a generic “greatest hits” package.
• Storytelling is Key: Don’t just present your work; tell its story. Explain your artistic journey, the inspiration behind your pieces, and how this opportunity aligns with your artistic goals.
• Visual Impact: Your portfolio is your first impression. Choose high-quality images that showcase your work in its best light, and consider multimedia elements like artist statements or video snippets.

Grant Writing Demystified:

• Read the Fine Print: Understand eligibility requirements, budget allocations, and reporting expectations before diving in.
• Clarity is King: Write concisely and avoid jargon. Clearly articulate your project goals, budget breakdown, and expected outcomes.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Use strong verbs and vivid language to paint a picture of your project’s impact. Quantify your goals whenever possible.

Residency Ready:

• Research the Vibe: Immerse yourself in the residency’s atmosphere. Understand their community, resources, and expected level of engagement.
• Collaboration Catalyst: Highlight your openness to collaboration and exchange with fellow artists and the local community.
• Beyond the Studio: Go beyond showcasing your artistic practice. Propose workshops, community projects, or public events that contribute to the residency’s mission.

Competition Do’s and Don’ts:

• Do: Follow submission guidelines to the letter. A single missed detail can disqualify you.
• Don’t: Plagiarize or submit work that violates copyright. Originality is key!
• Do: Enter competitions aligned with your artistic style and career goals. Don’t shotgun blast applications.

Public Art: Leave Your Mark:

• Think BIG, Think Context: Propose projects that resonate with the specific site and community. Consider accessibility, sustainability, and potential for engagement.
• Team Up: Collaborate with architects, landscape designers, or community groups to strengthen your proposal and ensure its feasibility.
• Be a Bridge: Public art thrives on dialogue. Show how your project fosters interaction and sparks conversations within the community.

Winning Wisely:

• Celebrate, Strategize, Sustain: Take time to appreciate your achievement, but also use it as a springboard. Network, document your progress, and leverage the award to secure future opportunities.
• Pay it Forward: Share your knowledge and experience with other artists. Mentorship, workshops, and collaborations create a vibrant artistic ecosystem.

Rejection Resilience:

• Learn and Grow: Analyze feedback, identify areas for improvement, and use them to refine your future applications.
• Dust Yourself Off: Rejection is inevitable. Don’t let it define you. Stay persistent, keep creating, and remember, the right opportunity awaits.

Finding Your Artistic Oasis:

• Utilize Resources: Explore platforms like CaFÉ, Artwork Archive, and GrantSpace to discover relevant opportunities.
• Network, Network, Network: Connect with other artists, curators, and grant writers. Build relationships that open doors to new possibilities.
• Stay Informed: Subscribe to newsletters and attend artist talks and workshops to stay updated on emerging opportunities and industry trends.

As an artist, applying to grants, residencies, and juried shows can be a complicated and confusing process. But don’t worry, this guide will help you stand out from the crowd and get noticed. These are some tips you should keep in mind:

1. Tailor your application according to the specific criteria and mission of the opportunity you are applying for.
2. Tell the story behind your work, share your artistic journey, and explain how the opportunity aligns with your creative goals.
3. Choose high-quality images and multimedia elements that showcase your work in the best possible light.
4. Before applying for a grant, read the eligibility requirements, budget allocations, and reporting expectations carefully.
5. Write concisely and clearly articulate your project goals, budget breakdown, and expected outcomes.
6. When applying for a residency, research the atmosphere, community, resources, and expected level of engagement.
7. Highlight your willingness to collaborate and exchange ideas with fellow artists and the local community.
8. Propose workshops, community projects, or public events contributing to the residency’s mission.
9. Follow submission guidelines carefully and don’t plagiarize or submit work that violates copyright.
10. Propose projects that resonate with the specific site and community and consider accessibility, sustainability, and potential for engagement.
11. Collaborate with architects, landscape designers, or community groups to strengthen your proposal.
12. Show how your project fosters interaction and sparks conversations within the community.
13. Network, document your progress, and leverage the award to secure future opportunities.
14. Share your knowledge and experience with other artists and stay informed about emerging opportunities and industry trends.

Do your research.

• Who were the shortlisted artists and winners in previous years? It will give you a good idea of the type of work the jurors seek.
• What type of work is accepted? Consider scale and medium, too. Some shows may restrict the size or type of work submitted.
• What are all the costs involved? Including the submission fee, your time completing the application, transport, framing, etc. Make sure you factor in all of the costs before you apply.

Make the most of your application.

• Grant writing tips:
  • Clarity is King: Write concisely and avoid jargon. Clearly articulate your project goals, budget breakdown, and expected outcomes.
  • Show, Don’t Tell: Use strong verbs and vivid language to paint a picture of your project’s impact. Quantify your goals whenever possible.
  • Read the Fine Print: Before diving in, understand eligibility requirements, budget allocations, and reporting expectations.
• Tailor, Tailor, Tailor: Research each opportunity’s specific criteria and mission. Showcase your work in alignment with their values, not just a generic “greatest hits” package.
• Storytelling is Key: Don’t just present your work; tell its story. Explain your artistic journey, the inspiration behind your pieces, and how this opportunity aligns with your creative goals.
• Visual Impact: Your portfolio is your first impression. Choose high-quality images that showcase your work in its best light, and consider multimedia elements like artist statements or video snippets.

Additional tips:

• Follow the submission guidelines carefully. A single missed detail can disqualify you.
• Feel free to ask for help. If you need clarification, feel free to contact the opportunity organizer.
• Be patient. It takes time to build a successful art career. Keep going even if you aren’t accepted into every show you apply to.

Remember, applying to artist opportunities takes time and patience. Keep persevering and stay passionate about your art. With these tips, you will navigate the labyrinth and emerge victorious with your artistic vision shining brightly.

Perez Art Museum PAMM

Artist Residencies

Let’s dive into the world of artist residencies, answering your questions with detailed explanations and insights:

What is an artist residency?

An artist residency program gives artists time, space, and resources to focus on their creative practices. These programs often involve living and working in a dedicated environment, sometimes alongside other artists or within a supportive community. Various organizations can host residencies, from museums and universities to national parks and community centers.

Why are artist residencies meaningful?

Residencies offer numerous benefits:

• Dedicated time and space: Artists get a break from daily routines and distractions, allowing them to immerse themselves in their work.
• Inspiration and new perspectives: New environments, communities, and collaborations can spark creativity and lead to innovative approaches.
• Professional development: Residencies often include workshops, talks, and critiques, fostering artistic growth and career advancement.
• Support and resources: Studios, materials, and sometimes even stipends can be provided, easing financial burdens and enabling artists to experiment.
• Community and networking: Connecting with other artists, curators, and art professionals creates valuable relationships and new opportunities.

Why do artists participate in residencies?

Artists participate in residencies for various reasons:

• To delve deeper into existing projects: They get uninterrupted time to develop ongoing artwork, research, or writing.
• To experiment and explore new ideas: The change of scenery and lack of routine can inspire innovation and push artistic boundaries.
• To gain exposure and connect with the art world: Residencies often involve exhibitions, presentations, or community engagement, broadening the artist’s audience and network.
• To recharge and refresh their creative practice: A focused break allows artists to overcome creative blocks and rekindle their artistic passion.
• To gain new skills and knowledge: Workshops, talks, and collaborations can enhance their artistic toolbox and expand their understanding of the art world.

Do artists get paid for residencies?

This varies greatly. Some residencies offer stipends covering living expenses and materials. Others are unpaid but provide free accommodation and studio space. There are also residencies with fees, requiring artists to cover their costs.

Are artist residencies worth it?

Deciding whether a residency is “worth it” is subjective and depends on individual goals and circumstances. Factors to consider include:

• Personal needs and career stage: Does the residency align with your artistic and professional aspirations?
• Program focus and resources: Does it offer the space, materials, and support you need?
• Financial considerations: Can you afford the costs, or will the benefits outweigh them?
• Location and community: Will the environment stimulate creativity and provide valuable connections?

Ultimately, participating in a residency is a personal decision. Carefully research different programs and weigh the benefits and drawbacks before deciding if it’s the right choice for you.

How long is an artist in residence?

The duration of residencies varies widely, ranging from a few weeks to several months or even a year. Some offer flexible options, allowing artists to tailor the duration to their needs.

What is the difference between an artist retreat and a residency? Both provide dedicated time and space for artistic exploration, but there are some key differences. Residencies often have a specific theme or program, while retreats focus on individual artistic development. Residencies can involve scheduled activities like workshops or critiques, while retreats offer more open-ended schedules. Residencies may incorporate interaction with other artists or the local community, while retreats can be more solitary experiences.

What do residencies offer artists? Besides time and space, residencies can offer studio facilities and materials, professional development opportunities like workshops and mentorship from established artists and curators, financial support like stipends and travel grants, community engagement like exhibitions and projects involving the local community, and networking opportunities with other artists, curators, and art professionals.

What types of artist residencies are there? Residencies cater to diverse artistic disciplines and interests, including visual arts like painting, sculpture, photography, and printmaking, literary arts like writing, poetry, and translation, performing arts like music, dance, theater, and performance art, multimedia arts like film, video, digital art, and interactive installations, and interdisciplinary arts that combine multiple disciplines or explore specific themes like social justice or environmental issues.

Do artist residencies make money? Most artist residencies are not designed for artists to make money directly, but they can indirectly contribute to income generation in several ways. For example, the program’s publicity and potential exhibitions or presentations can bring your work to a broader audience, leading to future sales or commissions. The experience, skills gained, and connections made during the residency can also elevate your standing in the art world, opening doors to paid opportunities like grants or residencies with financial support. Additionally, the dedicated time and focused environment may lead to new artworks or projects with potential for sales or exhibitions.

What are the characteristics of a good artist residency? Finding the right residency depends on your artistic goals and needs, but some general characteristics indicate a high-quality program. Look for a residency that aligns with your artistic practice, has a supportive community and environment with opportunities for interaction and collaboration, offers dedicated workspace and materials that match your creative needs, provides professional development opportunities like access to workshops, lectures, or mentorship, has a funding structure that aligns with your budget, and is located in a place that offers inspiration and potential connections. Ultimately, researching carefully and choosing a residency based on your needs and aspirations is vital to a fulfilling and valuable experience.

What is the difference between an artist retreat and a residency?

Both provide dedicated time and space for artistic exploration, but there are key differences:

Focus: Residencies often have a specific theme or program, while retreats focus on individual artistic development.

Structure: Residencies often involve scheduled activities like workshops or critiques, while retreats offer more open-ended schedules.

Community: Residencies may incorporate interaction with other artists or the local community, while retreats can be more solitary experiences.

What do residencies offer artists?

Beyond time and space, residencies can offer:

Studio facilities and materials: Dedicated workspaces equipped with tools and resources needed for specific artistic disciplines.

Professional development opportunities: Workshops, lectures, and mentorship from established artists and curators.

Financial support: Stipends, travel grants, or access to funding opportunities.

Community engagement: Exhibitions, presentations, or projects involving the local community.

Networking opportunities: Connecting with other artists, curators, and art professionals.

What types of artist residencies are there?

Residencies cater to diverse artistic disciplines and interests, including:

Visual arts: Painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, etc.

Literary arts: Writing, poetry, translation, etc.

Performing arts: Music, dance, theater, performance art, etc.

Multimedia arts: Film, video, digital art, interactive installations, etc.

Interdisciplinary: Combining multiple artistic disciplines or exploring specific themes, such as social justice or environmental issues.

What do artist residencies offer artists?

Residencies offer various benefits besides time and space:

Studio facilities and materials: Dedicated workspaces with tools and resources suited to specific artistic disciplines.

Professional development opportunities: Workshops, lectures, and mentorship from established artists and curators to accelerate artistic growth.

Financial support: Stipends, travel grants, or access to funding opportunities to ease financial burdens and enable experimentation.

Community engagement: Exhibitions, presentations, or projects involving the local community can provide exposure and build connections.

Networking opportunities: Connecting with other artists, curators, and art professionals expands your network and opens up new possibilities.

What types of artist residencies are there? 

The diversity of residencies is vast, catering to varied artistic disciplines and interests. Here are some examples:

Visual arts: Painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, etc.

Literary arts: Writing, poetry, translation, etc.

Performing arts: Music, dance, theater, performance art, etc.

Multimedia arts: Film, video, digital art, interactive installations, etc.

Interdisciplinary: Combining multiple artistic disciplines or exploring specific themes, such as social justice or environmental issues.

Do artist residencies make money?

Most artist residencies are designed for something other than artists to make money directly. However, they can indirectly contribute to income generation in several ways:

Increased exposure: The program’s publicity and potential exhibitions or presentations can bring your work to a broader audience, leading to future sales or commissions.

Enhanced career prospects: The experience, skills gained, and connections made during the residency can elevate your standing in the art world, opening doors to paid opportunities.

Grant funding: The residency can serve as a springboard for applying for grants or residencies with financial support.

Creative output: The dedicated time and focused environment may lead to new artworks or projects with potential for sales or exhibitions.

What are the Characteristics of a Good Artist Residency?

Finding the right residency depends on your artistic goals and needs. However, some general characteristics indicate a high-quality program:

Alignment with your artistic practice: The residency’s focus and resources should match your artistic discipline and interests.

Supportive community and environment: Look for a welcoming atmosphere with opportunities for interaction and collaboration.

Dedicated workspace and materials: The studio facilities and provided materials should meet your specific creative needs.

Professional development opportunities: Access to workshops, lectures, or mentorship adds value and fosters artistic growth.

Financial considerations: Understand the funding structure (stipends, fees, etc.) and ensure it aligns with your budget.

Location and context: Consider if the residency’s location and surrounding community offer inspiration and potential connections.

Ultimately, researching carefully and choosing a residency based on your needs and aspirations is vital to a fulfilling and valuable experience.

Perez Art Museum PAMM

SOUTH BEACH JAZZ FESTIVAL

The date for this annual event has passed. A new date will be provided when available.

RECURRING DAILY

The Eighth Annual South Beach Jazz Festival (SBJF) will offer a kaleidoscope of musical, artistic and cultural experiences for the entire family to enjoy. Sponsored by the humanitarian group Power Access, the festivities kick off the New Year on January 4-7 at venues across Miami Beach. Participants can expect best-in-class, Grammy Award-winning jazz artists, complimentary art gallery tours and a showcase of emerging jazz students. In addition, the public is invited to virtually participate in a panel discussion addressing accessibility and inclusion in the arts for persons living with disabilities, the core mission of the festival.

South Beach Jazz Festival 2024 Highlights

SBJF will offer 18 performances, master classes and diverse cultural experiences that fit every budget, and many of them are free. Here are the highlights.

Thursday, January 4

Cécile McLorin Salvant at 9 p.m.

The festival opens at Faena Theater, with its dazzling centerpiece chandelier, moody lighting and velvet décor. Jazz enthusiasts will enjoy three-time Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist and composer Cécile McLorin Salvant and her velvety-smooth musical storytelling. Salvant will be joined by longtime collaborator Sullivan Fortner, who has been acclaimed as one of the top jazz pianists of his generation. The theater will provide intimate seating for this ticketed event.

Friday, January 5

Something Else! with special guest Matthew Whitaker at 8 p.m.

Friday’s evening performance will literally be Something Else! for festivalgoers to enjoy: the all-star showcase Society Jazz Night featuring the septet Something Else! Its bandleader, preeminent saxophonist Vincent Herring, will deliver a moving groove of funky soul-jazz sounds. Matthew Whitaker, who is visually impaired and has been said to conjure the mastery of a youthful Stevie Wonder at the piano or organ, is the special guest. The concert will take place under the stars beginning at 8 p.m. on the great lawn of Collins Park at The Bass contemporary art museum. Plan to dance the night away at this complimentary event. You’re encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating. To upgrade your concert experience, consider VIP reserved seating. The Bass will add to the evening by offering complimentary museum gallery tours.

Saturday, January 6

Jazz for Tomorrow Student Stage, starting at 10 a.m.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jazz For Tomorrow Student Stage, celebrated jazz artist and educator Nicole Yarling will direct a lineup of burgeoning talent, including youth artists from nearby and notable colleges and universities. In keeping with the festival’s purpose, master classes will be offered to encourage new talent. There is no charge for this event at 1100 Lincoln Road Plaza, but RSVP is encouraged.

Alfredo Rodriguez & Friends at 8 p.m.

It wouldn’t be Greater Miami & Miami Beach if Latin jazz was not on the menu. At the Miami Beach Bandshell, Grammy-nominated Cuban composer and jazz pianist Alfredo Rodriguez & Friends will rock the house with their special blend of Latin, pop, jazz and funk. Rodriguez’s chart-topping hit “Coral Way,” with its up-tempo, infectious and happy sound, will highlight this evening of music and dance.

Sunday, January 7

The final day of the SBJF will be an all-day affair. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 1111 Lincoln Road will serve as host to an all-star lineup of bands and notable special guests. All of Sunday’s events are free with RSVP.

The Spirit of Goodwill Band at 11:30 a.m.

The daylong celebration kicks off with The Spirit of Goodwill Band, an ensemble of singers and musicians who live with varying degrees of physical and mental disabilities. These inspiring musicians are part of Goodwill South Florida’s acclaimed music program. 

Brandon Goldberg Trio at 1 p.m.

The Brandon Goldberg Trio will bring piano mastery to the final day of performances with Goldberg’s command of jazz harmony and technique. A piano prodigy since age 3, the 17-year-old Goldberg, who’s from Miami, will play selections from his two acclaimed albums.

The Smoogies at 2:30 p.m.

Layering Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and funk, The Smoogies, a South Florida-based quartet, will entertain audiences with their soulful sound.

Tal Cohen at 4:30 p.m.

Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist Tal Cohen, touted as one of jazz’s brightest stars, is a must-see for curious music enthusiasts. Cohen, who’s from Miami, blends Jewish harmonies with traditional jazz.

South Florida Jazz Orchestra at 6:30 p.m.

The grand finale will be a concert by the South Florida Jazz Orchestra under the leadership of bassist Chuck Bergeron. With accompanying special guests, the orchestra will deliver the rhythm of South Florida mixed with a big band sound.

By: Tremene T. | November 30, 2023

About South Beach Jazz Festival:

South Beach Jazz Festival Mission Statement

The South Beach Jazz Festival takes place in multiple venues throughout Miami Beach over four days in January. The mission of disability awareness is projected through a festival that takes pride in presenting world-renowned musicians from the entire spectrum of jazz including traditional, contemporary, and Latin American cutting edge acts. Many of the performances are free and open to the public and outdoors. The sounds of Jazz enliven the city all weekend long and draw residents and tourists to listen, learn and celebrate accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities. From disability to serendipity.
More About the Festival

The festival attracts locals, tourists, serious jazz fans, beachgoers and Lincoln Road shoppers. We are pleased to report that 2022 was an amazing success. Approximately 63% of attendees are from Miami-Dade County and 65% of our out of county visitors stay overnight in the area. 81% of attendees are over the age of 35 and over. The average income of attendees is $72,000 with 39% over $100,000. 99% of attendees rate the festival good and excellent! (2020 Survey Results provided by Touch Poll South Florida)

The Annual South Beach Jazz Festival takes place in January with multiple performances throughout Miami Beach. There are opportunities to sponsor as a Festival Title Sponsor, as a Headliner Sponsor and as a Spotlight sponsor.

Power Access Mission Statement

The South Beach Jazz Festival is the annual signature event of Power Access, a 501(c) 3 non-profit, humanitarian organization. Our mission is to bring awareness to the community about people living with disabilities and to provide opportunities for those people. To realize that we all have challenges and that tolerance and understanding is paramount. To fulfill that mission, the organization celebrates inclusion, awareness and accessibility in the arts by presenting high-quality programming in all its variations throughout the City of Miami Beach and showcasing the abilities of amazing artists.

Our programs include collaborations with corporations, other non-profits, local business associations, neighborhood associations and local government. Events have included Dining in the Dark, Disability Awareness Day, the annual Power Access Scholarship Jazz Brunch, Miami Beach On-Stage!, pop-up performances and our signature event, the South Beach Jazz Festival. We are continuously looking to develop partnerships and programs to further our mission and provide opportunities to showcase artists with disabilities in all areas – in the performing arts from music to dance, in the fine arts from painting to sculpture, and more. If you would like to discuss how you or your organization can become involved in our current programs as well as future new program possibilities, please send us a message.

For more information on Power Access, please click here.

About The Festival

The South Beach Jazz Festival takes places in venues throughout Miami Beach over three days during January. Classic, Latin and New Orleans styles of Jazz are featured. Most of the performances are free, open to the public and outdoors. The sounds of Jazz enliven the city all weekend long and draw locals and guests from around the world to listen, linger and enjoy.

The festival attracts locals, tourists, serious jazz fans, beachgoers and Lincoln Road shoppers. We are pleased to report that 2022 was an amazing success. Approximately 63% of attendees are from Miami-Dade County and 65% of our out of county visitors stay overnight in the area. 81% of attendees are over the age of 35 and over. The average income of attendees is $72,000 with 39% over $100,000. 99% of attendees rate the festival good and excellent!

The Annual South Beach Jazz  Festival takes place in January with multiple performances throughout Miami Beach. There are opportunities to sponsor as a Festival Title Sponsor, as a Headliner Sponsor and as a Spotlight sponsor.

“From Disability to Serendipity”

*2020 Survey Results provided by Touch Poll South Florida

About The Founder

R. David New
President of the Board & Founder, Power Access
Artistic Director, South Beach Jazz Festival

Twenty years ago, a rare disease rendered David New deaf, blind, and paralyzed from the waist down. Rejecting his doctors’ terminal diagnosis, defying all odds, David learned to walk again and gradually regained his hearing, though he did not regain his sight.

Multi-talented, he has since become a steadfast advocate for people with disabilities, creates glass sculptures, founded several companies and non-profits, and has embarked on an exciting venture, the South Beach Jazz Festival, www.sobejazzfestival.com.

David was born and raised in Philadelphia and began his university studies at the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. He continued his education at the Tyler School of Art, Temple University, the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. An artist at heart, David worked in his family’s furniture business while creating his own interior design firm, R. David New Interior Design. He relocated to South Florida in 2000 and continued pursuing his passion for art and design.

“As a visual artist my whole life, I was missing a component. I had to rethink everything. I got more involved in the community. I started new organizations and non-profits,” adds David.

David works tirelessly to break down barriers and to educate people about living and working with people with disabilities.  In addition to serving as president of Power Access Inc. and Ability Explosion®, he was chairman of the Miami Beach Disability Access Committee for six years until January 2016, where he is still instilled as a member. David was the founder of the Miami Beach Council of the Blind, an affiliate of the Florida Council and the American Council of the Blind.  In 2012, he took over Access Now Inc., which is an advocacy organization for enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act. With Access Now, David is working to build the first fully accessible art museum in the world located in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

Through Power Access and Access Now, his two non-profit organizations, David provides programs and produces experiential events centered around building awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, including Dining in the Dark, Disability Awareness Day and the South Beach Jazz Festival.

David recently reignited his lifelong passion for creating art when he learned about a new 3-D laser technology for creating laser-etched glass sculptures, a perfect medium for his visionary mind and imagination. He was introduced to the machinery, serendipitously located in Miami – the only one of its kind in the country. He designs the concept, the imagery, dimensions, and presentations, as well as the polished stainless-steel bases and glass specifications. David’s work has been exhibited in art galleries, at Art Basel Miami and he has plans to open a gallery on Miami Beach.

Perez Art Museum PAMM