Nailing the Application: A Guide to Artist Open Calls (Part 2: Work Samples)

To be an artist is to constantly apply for things. Many creative opportunities–from residencies to exhibitions–start with an open call. How can you ensure you’re putting your best foot forward when submitting these applications?

Drawing upon the perspective of arts decision-makers who run residencies, jury exhibitions, and review project proposals, this panel discussion will focus on the work sample portion of applications, and cover:

• Tips for compiling and presenting your work samples
• Common errors reviewers see among portfolios, and how to avoid them
• How to approach work sample submissions as telling a story
• What “cohesive” looks like when you make lots of different things
• Insights into the behind the scenes review process

Time for Q&A will be provided.

This is Part 2 of a 2 part series. To also register for Part 1: The Narrative, which will focus on the narrative/written components of applications, click here!

What: Nailing the Application: A Guide to Artist Open Calls (Part 2: Work Samples)
When: Tuesday, November 19, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM ET
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free
Register: Register here
Recording: This session will be recorded, and all RSVPs wil have access to the recording for 30 days following the event.
Questions: Email learning@nyfa.org

This session will be moderated by NYFA Learning Program Officer Kelly Olshan and feature two panelists (more info forthcoming)!

Meet the Panelists

Photo Credit: Marco Giugliarelli for the Civitella Ranieri Foundation, 2022

Brigitta Váradi—Artist, '21 NYFA Fellow, and Residency Director, ChaNorth (Chashama)

Brigitta Váradi is a Hungarian-born self-taught artist who lives and works in Pine Plains, NY.

Váradi is a 2021 NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellow in the Interdisciplinary category and a grantee of the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, the Arts Council of Ireland, the Leitrim and the Roscommon County Councils and Culture Ireland. She has received residencies and fellowships at MacDowell, the Museum of Arts and Design, the Civitella Ranieri Foundation, the Saltonstall Foundation, the NARS Foundation, the Marble House Project, the LOCIS-European Cultural Program, and the Leitrim Sculpture Center, among others

Váradi has had solo exhibitions at the Al Held Foundation, commissioned by the River Valley Arts Collective, curated by Marisa Espe, Civitella Ranieri, Burlington City Arts Center, Westbeth Gallery, Budapest Gallery, Leitrim Sculpture Center, and others. Selected group exhibitions include the Katonah Museum, Spartanburg Art Museum, Equity Gallery, Marfa Open, Hunt Museum, National Design and Craft Gallery, Culturel Irlandais, and many others.

Her work can be found in public collections, including a site-specific government commission for the Department of Education and Science in Athlone, Ireland, a public art commission by Sligo County Council, and Roscommon County Council, Ireland.

As the Residency Director of ChaShaMa North (ChaNorth) nonprofit organization in New York City, Varadi supports the artists community through creating diverse programming and an environment that fosters cross-disciplinary exchange of ideas, perspectives, and expertise.

Alex Paik—Artist and Director, Tiger Strikes Asteroid

Alex Paik is an artist, community builder, curator, and writer based in Los Angeles. He is Founder and Director of Tiger Strikes Asteroid, a non-profit network of artist-run spaces and serves on the Steering Committee at GYOPO, a collective of diasporic Korean cultural producers and arts professionals.

NYFA is pleased to present this free online workshop in partnership with Northern Virginia Local Arts Agencies (NVLAA), a collaboration of Alexandria's Office of the Arts, Arlington Cultural Affairs, and ArtsFairfax to offer arts organizations throughout the Northern Virginia region free professional development workshops and opportunities for networking.