{"id":3370,"date":"2022-08-29T20:35:25","date_gmt":"2022-08-30T02:35:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/accessarts.ca\/?p=3370"},"modified":"2023-11-21T14:53:35","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T20:53:35","slug":"art-in-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/accessarts.ca\/news\/art-in-practice\/","title":{"rendered":"Art in Practice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

artShare 2.0 prepares artists to practice outside of the NaAC <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, the National accessArts Centre (NaAC) has taken significant strides from a day program for artists with disabilities to a bona fide disability art centre; one that develops and offers programs and supports with artistic and creative rigour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the introduction of its Professional Track, the Centre is helping crip-identifying artists advance their practice and take practical steps towards a career in the arts. All the while, the organization is inviting the mainstream arts community to fall in step. At the forefront is artShare 2.0, a program designed to introduce artists to the Calgary arts scene and prepare them to practice outside of the NaAC.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the Career Path<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cartShare 2.0 is a professional development program for artists. We want to show them what it\u2019s like to be an artist outside of our community, and teach them everything they need to know to pursue an artistic career without the support of the NaAC.\u201d <\/p>Carlos Arteaga, Studio Facilitator at the NaAC<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

That includes things like writing an artist statement, developing a portfolio, and seeking fair compensation\u2014something Carlos says is essential for any aspiring professional. \u201cMost artists want to exhibit and sell their work, but a lot of the time, they don\u2019t know how to price their artwork,\u201d he says. It\u2019s important artists\u2014especially those with disabilities\u2014are paid as professionals; not honoraria or stipends, but industry standard fees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also important they think critically about the work they create, and can communicate a message through their art, says Carlos, who recognizes it\u2019s not always easy. \u201cTrying to reflect on their artwork is sometimes challenging. But I feel like the more they do it, the better they get at it; the better understanding they have of what the process is,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Real World Applications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To practice their critical thinking skills, each of the artShare 2.0 artists applied to participate in The City of Calgary\u2019s Centre City Banner Program<\/a>, an initiative that engages local artists to create artwork for banners placed on six city bridges. Each application required a CV, artist statement, letter of interest, and portfolio with 10 images and descriptions. But first, applicants had to create an online account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe wanted to have a practical component to artShare 2.0, and that was this City project,\u201d says Carlos. \u201cThe application process required the artists to create an account in a web portal. But a lot of them don\u2019t have email addresses.\u201d It was a major barrier. <\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Once they figured out how to create accounts, the artists had to submit their applications in writing. \u201cBut some of them are non-writers,\u201d says Carlos. Thankfully, Calgary Arts Development was open to alternatives, and suggested different application formats like video interviews or audio recordings. In the end, it took the group the better part of eight weeks to complete their applications. Just one artist will be chosen by a jury in the fall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the Studio<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition to in-studio sessions, the artShare 2.0 artists participated in three field trips, visiting a public gallery, commercial gallery, and artist-run space in Calgary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe wanted to give them a sense of the different types of art spaces,\u201d says Carlos. \u201cNot only to familiarize themselves with the spaces, but to be able to do some networking and meet the people who run these spaces.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their first stop was the Esker Foundation, a non-profit contemporary art gallery known for presenting relevant, accessible, and educational exhibitions, programs, and publications. While there, the artists had the chance to chat personally with a curator about commissioning, acquiring, and exhibiting art. \u201cThe questions they asked were amazing!\u201d says Carlos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also had the opportunity to see what other artists in the industry are currently doing.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSome of the artists here are only exposed to art that\u2019s created at the NaAC. I believe it is very important for any artist to be able to see what other artists are making,\u201d says Carlos. \u201cHopefully, they left feeling inspired!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leveling Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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It wasn\u2019t the first time the NaAC has run a program like this, and it likely won\u2019t be the last. artShare 1.0\u00a0was offered in 2021, and gave artists a platform to talk about their artwork and share their ideas with their peers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s been some development in the way program participants think about their work,\u201d says Carlos. \u201cThey\u2019re able to talk about their artwork more, including their influences. Now when they\u2019re working on a piece, I see them thinking a bit more about their choices.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the NaAC continues to grow as an organization (read about its expansion into Toronto with the\u00a0acquisition of the Won Lee Studio + Gallery<\/a>), it remains committed to providing artists with professional learning opportunities that push the boundaries of diversity and inclusion in the arts. For Carlos, that means preparing the artists for bigger exhibitions and opportunities.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot all of the artists who come to the Centre are interested in pursuing an artistic career. Some of \u2019em just come to hang out and paint,\u201d he says. \u201cBut there\u2019s a group of artists who are really interested in doing this full time. Having this program opens up the door for them. It\u2019s great to be able to help them get to the next level!\u201d <\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Setting the Foundation for a Thriving Artistic Practice<\/a><\/blockquote>