Free Professional Development Workshops
Professional Development Workshop series for Fiscal Year 2025:
The Office of the Arts is collaborating with ArtsFairfax, the Arlington Cultural Affairs, and the New York Foundation for the Arts to offer a series of FREE professional development and capacity virtual workshops. Please share this information with individuals and organizations you feel might be interested in participating. All session will be recorded, and all RSVPs will have access to the recording for 30 days following the event.
Marketing for Artists and Creatives
Thursday, January 14, 2025 · 12 - 1:30 p.m. EST
This presentation will focus on how artists can professionally and creatively develop content and build their audience, both digitally and through traditional channels. Whether you’re an artist, writer, performer, musician, or creative, marketing is an essential part of your work. Yet the process is often difficult: what is the best use of your limited time and resources, and can you make sure that you’re using your channels effectively?
To help you answer these questions, marketing expert Molaundo Jones, Director of Marketing and Community Engagement, Flushing Town Hall, will advise how to effectively utilize marketing tools in accordance with your career goals. The session will cover a host of strategies and techniques, focusing on digital marketing.
This session will cover:
• Strategies for cultivating an audience online and in person
• Social media tips, whether you want to gain followers or build a network
• The characteristics of a strong website
• The importance of a mailing list
• Ways to facilitate opportunities online (that translate to real life!)
Click here to register on the New York Foundation for the Arts' website.
Questions: Email learning@nyfa.org
Panelists' information is forthcoming; check back for more details!
Inside Representation: Paths to Working with Galleries
Thursday, February 13, 2025 · 12 - 1:30 p.m. EST
Attaining representation is a goal for many visual artists. While it’s seen by many as a marker of success and support, it’s often unclear how to get representation.
This free event will focus on how to attain representation with a gallery and provide an overview of industry standards. In this panel discussion, you’ll hear directly from artists on their paths towards reaching this milestone. You’ll also hear from gallerists to get their perspective on what factors they consider when deciding whether to represent an artist.
This session will cover:
• How to approach a gallery
• The etiquette for to sharing your information and portfolio with gallerists
• Tips for building and managing the relationship over time
• Understanding if a gallery is right for you or not
• How your location factors into the process
Click here to register on the New York Foundation for the Arts' website.
Questions: Email learning@nyfa.org
Panelists' information is forthcoming; check back for more details!
Meet the Funders
Thursday, February 27· 12 - 1:30 p.m. EST
Gain insight into the world of philanthropic funding. Presented and facilitated by the Northern Virginia Local Arts Agencies.
Join us for an engaging workshop where you’ll gain invaluable insights into the world of philanthropic funding! This workshop will feature a panel of representatives from regional foundations who will share their expertise on how to effectively approach potential funders, build a relationship with them, and enhance your applications. Whether you’re a seasoned grant writer or new to the philanthropic landscape, this discussion will broaden your knowledge of the tools you need to approach the philanthropic sector with confidence.
Information is forthcoming; check back for more details!
Valuing the Invaluable: Pricing your Artwork
Thursday, March 13, 2025 · 12 - 1:30 p.m. EST
Learn how artists of all disciplines can price their work for a thriving art career.
How much should you sell your artwork for? Designed for artists who want to develop or adjust their pricing to create a thriving art business. Learn about the factors that go into a profit-focused pricing strategy and the basics of getting your work to the right price point. Participants will walk away with methods they can apply to their art business or practice.
This session will cover:
• What you need to bring in to be financially sustainable
• Strategies for increasing sales
• Finding the right formula for your artistic practice or business plan
• When and how it’s appropriate to increase prices
• Platforms and tools for selling your work
Click here to register on the New York Foundation for the Arts' website.
Questions: Email learning@nyfa.org
Panelists' information is forthcoming; check back for more details!
Marketing Tools of the Trade
Thursday, April 10, 2025 · 12 - 1:30pm EST
Learn tips of the marketing trade, prioritizing social media and analytics. Presented by the NVLAA and facilitated by Sub Arts.
Co-founders Rachelle Etienne-Robinson and Stan “Substantial” Robinson of Substantial Art & Music will lead a workshop on marketing. Topics include prioritizing social media networks and management tools, leveraging analytics to grow your audience and engagement, and how to build both passive income and monetization for both visual and performing arts.
About the Presenters:
Substantial Art & Music, LLC (SAM) is a multimedia organization that provides consulting services to the visual and performing arts community. SAM was founded in 2017, by husband-and-wife duo Stan “Substantial” Robinson and Rachelle Etienne-Robinson. Together they provide design and consulting services to emerging and established independent artists, entrepreneurs, and organizations. SAM offers professional advice and guidance through consultations, workshops, and webinars. Additional services include graphic design and special events. SAM has facilitated workshops at Amazon headquarters in Seattle, Washington, the Hawaii State Art Museum, Pratt Institute, and multi-genre conventions. SAM events have been featured on WTOP, Washington Informer, and Fox 5 DC.
https://www.subartandmusic.com/
Photographing Your Artwork
- The Zero Budget Guide to Photographing Your Artwork (Article, The Art League)
-
Photographing Artwork: Your Essential Guide for Jury-Ready Images (Article, Café)
- The Art of the Application | Representing Your Artwork Online (Article, New York Foundation For the Arts)
- How to Photograph Your Art (Video, Royal Academy of Arts)
- Photographing Works of Art (PDF Document, University of Toledo)
- How to Photograph Your Artwork (Video, Utah Arts & Museums)