How do you build a strong case for your artistic project?
The right match
A good application doesn’t start with the writing, but with the question: Is this open call a good match for my practice? You should therefore read the terms and conditions of the open call thoroughly.
Organisers often set their own thematic focus or theme for an open call. Check carefully whether your work or project aligns with this, but feel free to think outside the box. A good match doesn’t mean your work has to be literally about the theme. It’s about being able to make a substantive or artistic connection with the call. The pitfall is to immediately think: ‘What can I create on this theme?’ Turn the question around: ‘Where does this theme already feature in my work?’
Some open calls have specific conditions that you, as an artist, must meet, such as a particular age group or where you must live. You should also carefully check what the open call has to offer you as an artist. Check carefully whether or not there is any remuneration (a presentation or creation budget), how they handle your copyright, what support or promotion you’ll receive as an artist… Also check whether your values as an artist align with those of the organisation.
Selecting works
Think carefully about which works you select and ensure that they effectively convey who you are as an artist. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Does the content of the work fit the call for entries?
- Is it representative of who I am as an artist today?
- Are you opting for a recognisable work or for an experimental piece?
- Are you choosing a finished work or a work in progress?
A title may seem like a minor detail, but it can greatly influence how your work is interpreted. It can help the jury or visitors to interpret the work within its context or theme. You can test this yourself by giving your work different titles and asking yourself what changes each time in the way you interpret the work.
From idea to project proposal
Some open calls do not ask for existing work, but for a project proposal. In this case, it is important that you can convince a jury with your idea. Don’t just think about what you want to create, but also why this is important to you in your development as an artist, or perhaps even what broader social impact your project has. Always make the link to the open call here, but avoid presenting an idea that has been devised solely because the call’s theme requires it. In the case of a residency or development programme, a research question and curiosity can be just as important a part of your proposal. Don’t just show the end result; also show why the research is interesting.
Make your project proposal as specific as possible. Set out clearly what you intend to create, how you will go about it, what research will precede it, what materials you will need, how you will present it, what partnerships you will enter into, and how long it will take to carry out your project… It may be helpful to illustrate this visually in your proposal using models, sketches, photographs or mood boards.
Make a distinction between what has been finalised and what is still subject to change. If you already have partners with whom you will be collaborating, be sure to include them as well.
The structure of your application
Naturally, you’ll write your application based on the questions you’re asked, but you can already start thinking about the following elements that frequently feature in an application:
- A biography
- An artist’s statement
- What are you proposing? Describe the work or project clearly and specifically.
- How do you go about your work? Materials, techniques, research, planning and method.
- Visual material: ensure you have strong, clear images with correct titles, information and credit to the photographer.
Han Decorte
Han Decorte always seeks out the most suitable medium for her idea. The common thread running through her work is shaped primarily by the conceptual ideas behind various media. As well as being an artist, she is a freelance curator and scenographer.
