ENDORSEMENTS & FIGURES

Identity

The course created a safe space for me to reflect on identity in the art world. I benefited from the exercises that made me review my various roles as an artist, and how I interpret these roles. Dana's insightful comments and fellow artists who courageously shared their untold stories made the course truly enriching for me.

Line Krom, Germany

Identity

'Unspoken Rules of the Art World: Identity' helped me map and identify subconscious reasons for the transition in my works as an art practitioner. It made me reflect that how ⏤ in my current art practice ⏤, looking outwards beyond my inner self and connecting to the abundance of resources around me, whether human connection, material or stories are of innate value in healing me. Thank you, ACT! and SÛ Collection for the opportunity and the amazing artist community I got to connect with during the programme. 

Payal Chakraborty, India

Identity

The course helped me become more aware that other artists have similar problems. It enabled me to be more empathetic and patient towards others and aspects of my personality or tasks I have to perform that I don't particularly like. I enjoyed the openness of the course outcomes as they were subjective. I was surprised to understand that I (re)produce the "unspoken rules". 

Participant

Identity

This course is an introduction to a deeper understanding of oneself, an indispensable tool to move forward in any creative discipline.

Esteban Peña, Colombia

Identity

(The main strength of this course is) How it empowers participants to connect with their vulnerability. Showing us that vulnerability is a strength and that other artists like us are dealing with the same fears and limiting beliefs.

Participant

Identity

This first course, “Identity,” helped me realize the importance of connecting breathing and the physical feelings of being an artist with one's practice.

Sergio Mendoza, Colombia

Identity

The exercises helped me realise many deeper emotions I didn't acknowledge before. Further, when other artists shared their stories about having experienced similar emotions, it validated and calmed me. The opportunity for artists from around the globe to connect is one of the biggest strengths (of this course). Overall the course helped me understand how much one's various identities can impact their art practice. Dana's ability to unearth one's many disturbing emotions in a paced and structured manner is very useful.

Rocky Mol Selvaraj

Identity

The main strength of this course was self-reflection, and art making through multiple identities that one bear.

Chris Basumatary

Identity

(The main strengths are) Smart and thought-provoking idea of the course - tracing the unspoken rules of the art world! The unique possibility to confront your own identity - with a helping hand from Dana! Possibility to meet people and perspectives from around the world! The SÛ Collection’s support!

Dominika Korycka

Authority

This was a fantastic programme, highly thought-provoking and a privilege to connect with creatives from all over the world. I learnt a lot from it, and the ideas are still percolating. I want to hold on to the feeling of personal curiosity that this course awakened, and I have already recommended the programme to friends.  

Laura Ribbons.

Authority

[The course's strength is] its depth and going beyond usual conversation within the art world - bridging art and mental health in a grounded way

Rafael Perez-Evans.

Authority

I entered the course uncertain of the topic and I walk away feeling more lost and doubtful, but knowing that this is the beginning of answering those difficult questions and actively in search of my own answers and path. The transformation is on the way, either for better or worse. At least I’m now equipped with the ability to walk towards it.

Kengwu Yerlikaya

Authority

While short, this course has been quite a transformative chapter in a wider journey, allowing me to delve deep into my past & surroundings and gain a profound understanding of my own inner authority. It provided a safe and nurturing space where I felt encouraged to reflect on my experiences and uncover hidden aspects of myself. Through Dana's sensitive and receptive approach, I have a better awareness & understanding of my own inner authority, waiting to be further embraced. This course has really empowered me to trust myself and have confidence in my decisions. 

Celina Loh

Authority

A programme such as this has been extremely helpful in helping me understand and navigate my journey in art. I am thankful to ACT! for providing me with this space, and I believe courses like this would be very beneficial to all artists regardless of any career stage they are in.

Chris Basumatary

Authority

Really helped me identify areas that are holding me back in my art practice and career. The course seemed to reveal things I wasn’t already aware of.

Alison

Authority

[The course's strength is] The private and secure space that makes us feel safe to share without judgement. The guided peer learning set-up rather than us being talked at.

It's the only artist course that goes to the root of the problem, our minds. But very specifically contextualised for art world settings. The difference between creatives that move forward and the ones that don't is courage. Plain and simple, no magic trick, the emperor is actually naked.

We can do a million courses/degrees or have the best connections, but if our minds hold us back, no amount of knowledge or influence can make a difference. The only way to cultivate courage is by embracing vulnerability—the feeling we experience in the face of uncertainty, risk, or emotional exposure. Without experiencing these emotions, we cannot claim to be courageous. And if we are unsure how to tap into them, we become stagnant. We will remain stuck until we take action.

In my opinion, this course is an excellent first step to unleashing our true selves and unlocking our full potential.

Elena Saraceni

Authority

The course is very well organized. The theme of Authority is appropriate and challenging for anyone from all professions, not just artists. The sharing session helped to open myself to self-insecurity.

Participant