How it works and what you will learn in 'Getting It Across: Communicating Your Art Practice.'

‘Getting It Across: Communicating Your Art Practice’ is a four-week, tutor-led online course that will give you practical methodologies, insights and constant feedback to make it easier for you to talk and write about your practice in every kind of situation in the art world.

1. How it works

The course is mostly asynchronous, enabling you to participate whenever your studio practice permits and wherever you might be. It lasts for four weeks and combines self-paced online lectures, online group discussions, and live online sessions. The course involves constant feedback.

After enrolling in the course, you will have access to this content via our e-Training platform. The group discussions are via written comments. Each takes place over an entire week, giving you plenty of time to work on your tasks and participate.

There’s also an onboarding session and you will have two Zoom sessions. You will receive the dates upon enrolment.

Most participants taking this programme are practising artists aged 35–45 (up to 80%); they have time limitations due to studio work and family commitments. The programme’s flexible structure makes it possible to participate without interrupting your busy lives, production deadlines, and exhibition programmes.

We will send you all the information you need before the course start date, including login credentials for accessing your private account; important dates to put in your calendar; and a Zoom meeting link to join the live sessions. Log in to our e-Learning platform to access the course materials, and participant interactions. You will also get a reading folder, a workbook, and many more resources.

Endorsement

'So many essential points vital to artists' careers, but everyone shies away from talking about them in the real art world! The Getting it Across course made me confident, empowered, and transparent. It has been an extremely informative four weeks. My most significant takeaway from this course was building a new relationship with language, text and articulation. Thanks, Francesca. You Rock <3

-- Ghazaleh Avarzamani (Canada/Iran)

2. The Structure

The course has four modules, each running for a week (7 consecutive days). Each module includes a series of specially produced short videos that you can watch at your convenience during the week. You will write one short assignment per module (250–350 words), putting into practice the methods you have learnt. You will share your assignment with your fellow artists on the discussion board – you can do this at any time during the 7 days. You will receive constant feedback from the leading tutor and peers, with the discussion board remaining open throughout the week.

During the live sessions and Q&As, you will delve into the methods and content discussed online. You will meet fellow artists from all over the world and have the chance to practice communicating your work and ask your tutor further questions.

Endorsement

'Under the disguise of a 'communications course', there is such a nurturing community-building space. I walk away with a renewed sense of "I can do this!" which is really empowering.'

- Arabel Lebrusan (UK/Spain

Programme's outline:

Introduction module: The principles of effective communication

Module 1: Connecting in the art world - Tutor: Francesca Bellini Joseph

Module 2: How to write your artist statement... or just how to write - Tutor: Gilda Williams

Online Live session 1

Module 3: Successful applications with a focus on residencies. Tutors: Alessio Antoniolli and Aaron Cezar.

Online Live session 2

Module 4: Communicating your practices to the outside world: The view from the other side. Tutor: Georgina Adam.

Visit the endorsement page to read about what fellow artists and curators say about their experience taking this course here.

3. What you will learn.

‘Getting It Across: Communicating Your Art Practice’ is designed to address artists’ real professional concerns. We constantly hear artists saying their work has long been misrepresented – relegated to a particular category (community art, queer art, etc.) – and this pigeonholing bothers them. Artists taking our programme realise they are the experts in their work and are best positioned to supply the words that most accurately represent their practice.

This course also helps to demystify the so-called unspoken rules in the art world. It clearly explains what curators, galleries, collectors and viewers expect from artists when you are communicating in writing or orally. With increasing confidence, artists develop skills to approach art professionals, talk to different audiences, and tailor what they want to say to every situation.

Most participants taking this course struggle to talk succinctly about their practice and to draw out the most important aspects they ought to communicate. Answering questions such as ‘What do you do?’ or ‘What is your practice about?’ seems an impossible task, especially when condensing years of work into a few minutes. This is especially challenging for artists whose second language is English. In this course, non-native and native English speakers will gain practical methods that make it easier for them to talk and write about themselves and their work.

Endorsement

'Wow! What a ride... It was soooooo intense! In a good way. I needed a shake-up and I certainly got one. I think being held accountable and relentlessly constructively criticised was the best aspect - I have never had this in any other education programme (BA / MA / PhD). I loved the international feel of the course. It was incredible to see many other artists letting their guard down and being vulnerable. It made me feel like I am not alone. Thank you!'

-- James William Murray (UK)

4. What happens after the course ends?

As our ACT alumni have testified, the ACT programme never ends. After four weeks of intensive training, you receive complimentary access to the ACT community. Through the ACT Meets programme of periodical get-together sessions and Q&As, you’ll meet curators, residency directors, and ACT tutors and be able to share all sorts of information, questions, and opportunities.

Artists who complete the programme successfully are considered for special networking opportunities and further support.

Although we are an online platform, ACT! artists often become friends and understand they are a support network. They meet regularly to ask each other for guidance and introductions and collaborate on new projects.

5. Is this course for you?

This programme is for artists who place value on the institutional endorsement of their careers. Artists taking this course typically have a visual art degree or a degree in a related field (more than 90%).

We also work with self-taught artists who can demonstrate experience in the art world. The majority have attended at least one international art residency during their career. Many have gallery representation – 10% work with more than one gallery. Up to 35% have their work represented in museum or institutional collections.

Some of the practices represented in our course include, but are not limited to, visual arts, performance, game design, digital art, and social and political activism

Enrolling in this course involves an application process. We want to provide the appropriate environment and ensure a high-standard experience for all our participants.

Applying takes a few minutes. We will request details of your academic background, experience in the art world, and work. Part of the application process might involve an interview with an ACT! tutor.