Artist Statements

WHAT IS AN ARTIST STATEMENT?

A brief text composed by an artist and intended to explain, justify, and contextualize a body of work or create context for performances.

AN ARTIST STATEMENT CAN TAKE ANY OF SEVERAL DIRECTIONS:

• Information about your background
• Development of your work
• Interests as an artist or aesthetic position
• Your future artistic direction
• Any other information you feel pertinent

WHEN IS AN ARTIST STATEMENT USED?

• Apply for commissions
• Apply for schools
• Apply for residencies
• Apply for jobs
• Awards
• Forms of institutional support such as grants

ARTIST STATEMENT TIPS:

• Write your statement in language that anyone can understand
• Your statement is about you, so personalize
• Make “I” statements, rather than “you” statements
• Be specific, not vague
• Avoid obscure references to music, art, dance, literature, or anything else that require detailed explanations
• Avoid comparing yourself to other artists
• Don’t instruct people on how to see, feel, behave, respond, or otherwise relate to your art
• GET FEEDBACK!
• Be genuine and honest
• Be consistent and focused
• Be simple, clear, and direct
• ALWAYS spell check and review for grammatical errors
• Avoid self-indulgence

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN WRITING YOUR ARTIST STATEMENT:

• What are the basic themes of your work?
• Why did you create this work?
• What drives you as an artist to make the work you do or perform the way you do?
• What are some of your sources or influences?
• How does this work differ from your previous work?
• What are your plans for the future?
• Where is your art taking you?