Northern Virginia Local Arts Agencies Announce Free Professional Development Workshops for DC Area Artists
October 15, 2024— Northern Virginia Local Arts Agencies (NVLAA), a collaboration between ArtsFairfax, Arlington Cultural Affairs, and the City of Alexandria Office of the Arts, announce seven free workshops designed for artists, arts administrators, and arts organizations.
“Northern Virginia is fortunate to have an eclectic mix of emerging and established artists, as well as arts businesses and organizations of various sizes. We are proud to offer learning and networking opportunities that benefit this diverse workforce,” says Stuart Holt, President & CEO of ArtsFairfax.
Now in its third year, NVLAA was created to make professional learning opportunities more accessible and equitable for local arts workers. Since its start in 2022, NVLAA has collected over 2,800 registrations, serving participants throughout the DMV and across the country with nearly 20 hours of free professional development offerings.
NVLAA’s 2025 Workshops
Artsfairfax.org/NVLAA/
Nailing the Application: A Guide to Artist Open Calls (Part 1: The Narrative)
November 14, 2024, 12:00-1:30 pm, Zoom
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? Join Part 1 of a 2-part series, focusing on the written components, or narrative of the application. Learn from panelists where to find open calls for art exhibitions and residencies, how to determine if an opportunity is right for you, and common misconceptions about writing. This virtual workshop will be facilitated by the New York Foundation for the Arts. Time for Q&A will be provided.
Nailing the Application: A Guide to Artist Open Calls (Part 2: Work Samples)
November 19, 2024, 12:00-1:30 pm, Zoom
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? Join Part 2 of a 2-part series, focusing on the work sample portion of applications. Panelists will offer tips for compiling and presenting your work samples, common errors reviewers see among portfolios, and more! This virtual workshop will be facilitated by the New York Foundation for the Arts. Time for Q&A will be provided.
Marketing for Artists and Creatives
January 16, 2025, 12:00-1:30 pm, Zoom
This presentation will focus on how artists can professionally and creatively develop content and build their audience, both digitally and through traditional channels. 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. This session, facilitated by the New York Foundation for the Arts, will cover a host of strategies and techniques. Time for Q&A will be provided.
Inside Representation: Paths to Working with Galleries
February 13, 2025, 12:00-1:30 pm, Zoom
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 session will focus on how to attain representation with a gallery and provide an overview of industry standards. In this panel discussion, facilitated by the New York Foundation for the Arts, you’ll hear directly from artists on their paths towards reaching this milestone. You’ll also hear from galleries to get their perspective on what factors they consider when deciding whether to represent an artist. Time for Q&A will be provided.
Meet the Funders
February 27, 2025, 12:00-1:30 pm, Zoom
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. Time for Q&A will be provided.
Valuing the Invaluable: Pricing Your Artwork
March 13, 2025, 12:00-1:30 pm, Zoom
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 workshop is facilitated by the New York Foundation for the Arts, and time for Q&A will be provided.
Marketing Tools of the Trade
April 10, 2025, 12:00-1:30 pm, Zoom
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. Time for Q&A will be provided.
Visit ArtsFairfax.org/NVLAA to register.
About ArtsFairfax
ArtsFairfax is the nonprofit designated as Fairfax County’s local arts agency. Dedicated to the belief that arts are essential to a thriving community, the ArtsFairfax mission is to expand support for and access to arts and culture opportunities for the more than 1.2 million residents across Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church. By offering informational, financial, and programmatic services, ArtsFairfax promotes the role of arts and culture to deepen social engagement, create a sense of place, and fuel economic growth. Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) since 1964, ArtsFairfax provides these services to all who contribute to and experience arts in Fairfax County, and is funded in part by the County, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as corporations, foundations, and individuals.
About Arlington Arts
Arlington Cultural Affairs, a Division of Arlington Economic Development, which delivers public activities and programs as Arlington Arts. Our mission is to create, support and promote the arts, connecting artists and our community to reflect the diversity of Arlington.
About Alexandria Office of the Arts
The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities promotes the value of arts and culture in Alexandria by nurturing, investing in and celebrating the creative contributions of artists and arts organizations through the Office of the Arts division. By engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to the arts, RPCA works with local artists and arts organizations to build a vibrant community for all of the City’s residents, workers and visitors. Within the division, the Events and Public Space Activation team strengthens and builds the social fabric of Alexandria.
# # #