Professional Practice in Art

3 units

How do artists prepare for a meaningful and sustainable life in the arts, now and in the future? This seminar is a hands-on, comprehensive, and speculative approach to life as a professional artist. It challenges and questions the systems and codes of the art world and encourages entrepreneurial strategies that may lead to new and unrealized pathways for studio artists. Students will participate in guided, personalized research into career options while learning about the following topics: gallery representation, museum and non-profit exhibitions, teaching and academia, artist residencies, legal issues, curatorial practice, and community engagement. Students will develop applied skills in writing for exhibition proposals, cover letters, CVs and resumes, teaching and grant applications. The course will also engage with members of different parts of the art world, which may include guest artists, alumni, curators, dealers, collectors, and non-profit arts administrators. An optional field trip to a major art city with museum and exhibition tours, visits to artists' studios, and other behind-the-scenes activities is also part of this course. Course exercises support the planning and implementation of the 1st-year MFA exhibition.