Guggenheim Cohort

Cohort Dates: May 9, 2024 - September 2024
Registration ends May 6
Cost: $675

As artists, grant writers, and consultants helping artists navigate their careers, we’ve all noticed that while the Guggenheim grant is nearly universally coveted, it’s also often put off till the last minute. We get it! The application can be intimidating: it’s arcane and demanding, and first-time applicants aren’t always aware that it requires a specific project proposal. Since the application is due shortly after Labor Day, it can be easy to let summer and the transition into fall get in the way of the attention, care, and time this grant requires. The same reasons folks put it off are great reasons to get started early!  

The 2025 Guggenheim Application Cohort is designed to get you started and see you through your application submission. The cohort offers guidance, accountability, and support for completing your application with time to spare before the submission period closes in mid-September. Our bi-monthly schedule will alternate between workshops and co-working time, and we’ll gather for a cohort closing meeting in September to consolidate knowledge and celebrate another application cycle on the books. 

The Artist’s Office develops a range of programs in support of an artist’s professional growth. These include workshops, panel discussions, peer review and co-working sessions, and social hours and meals for networking. Some are led/taught by Virginia Broersma, others are led/taught by professionals and artists who have skills, knowledge and insight to share.

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Come On COLA

Sunday, October 15, 2023
3pm - 4pm PT

This workshop is for Los Angeles visual artists who will be applying for the COLA Individual Master Artist Program grant. The COLA - IMAP is an annual grant that awards $10,000 to artists to make new work. We will be discussing how to apply to the grant and tips we have learned as grant writers that may be useful.

Taught by Virginia Broersma and Elana Mann.

Get That Guggenheim

Friday, August 18, 2023
11am - 12pm PT

The Guggenheim Fellowship is one of the most prestigious grants for US-based visual artists. The application portal opens on August 18 and artists Elana Mann and Virginia Broersma will be giving a workshop on the application process: walking attendees through the components and giving tips for applying to this grant. We’ll share our experience from applying for the grant and working as grant writers.

We want to help you get that Guggenheim.

Summer Regroup for Artists
July 15, 2023
July 20, 2023

We’re halfway through 2023 and the summer is often a time when things slow down in the art world. It’s a great time to reflect and strategize.

This workshop will help artists regroup and plan for the remainder of 2023. Virginia of The Artist’s Office will report back on what she has been doing this year to move her career forward: what is working, and what is not, with time for discussion and crowd-sourced tips.

Learn more.

Introducing the FARE Contract: A Tool for Artist's’ Rights
with Center for Cultural Innovation
Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Join artists Virginia Broersma and Susan Schwartz for a presentation on the newly drafted FARE Contract: a free, artist-centered sales agreement that advocates for elevating the rights of artists when their work is sold. Using the landmark 1971 Siegelaub-Projansky Artist’s Contract as a foundation, this contract seeks to rebalance the unequal terms of exchange concerning the sale and presentation of artwork. The project is designed to address generally acknowledged inequities within the art world, and to normalize professional practices that secure artists’ economic sustainability over the course of their lifetimes. 

The seminar will present the historical context of the contract and walk artists through the Fair Artist’s Reserved Equity (FARE) Contract, which is being released upon the 50th anniversary of that 1971 Contract. A mock-negotiation will be included to help artists learn how to ask for a contract and ask for the rights that are important to them. There will be time for discussion and Q&A about using the FARE Contract and how it can benefit artists. All attendees will receive a toolkit for using the contract and for advocating for better terms in the art world. 

This seminar is for artists at any stage of their career, regardless of sales history and is designed to empower all working artists. 

The Artists’s Contract: Drafting New Terms for 2021
with the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture
November 16, 2020

Join us in conversation with artists Virginia Broersma and Susan Schwartz, who will be presenting The Artist’s Contract, a project to draft an artist-centered sales agreement. Using the landmark 1971 Siegelaub-Projansky Artist’s Contract as a foundation, they seek to rebalance the unequal terms of exchange concerning the sale and presentation of artwork. They will present the history of this project as well as their current work to spearhead a new open source version of the contract for use in 2021, the 50th anniversary of the original agreement. Through workshop discussions and surveys, community input is currently being integrated into the draft of the new contract, which when completed, will be made widely available as part of efforts to normalize practices that elevate the rights of artists within the art world.

Virtual Co-Working Sessions
Multiple Dates

I need to carve out some time to focus on an application, and am inviting others to show up to work along with me. This gentle nudge of accountability might be enough to get me to actually sit down and do it, and perhaps you as well. For one hour, I am hosting a zoom session to designate some office time; come prepared to work on a task of your choice, quietly alongside (virtually, of course) other artists.

OPaf Talks: NURTURE
with the Other Places art fair
October 28, 2020

OPaf cultivates space for ideas and people that the traditional art world often overlooks and perhaps lacks the capacity to support. Join Virginia Broersma of the Artist’s Office to talk with a panel of 2020 OPaf participants for whom nurture is a component of their work. We will discuss how this functions at the individual level - for one’s own practice - and at the community level.

Panelists:

Annika Klein: CalArts MFA
Eliza Swann: The Golden Dome
Tatiana Vahan: Los Angeles Artist Census

Moderated by Virginia Broersma of The Artist’s Office

OPaf Talks: OCCUPY SPACE
with the Other Places art fair
October 14, 2020

At its core, OPaf supports people and projects that exist outside the traditional art world. These projects are led by people who have created space for themselves and others through unconventional models, DIY approaches and sidestepping the sanctioned systems of the art world. Join Virginia Broersma of the Artist’s Office to talk with a panel of 2020 OPaf participants on how they occupy space and cultivate new models for presenting artworks and experimental practices in Los Angeles, and now through socially distant models. 

Panelists:

John Burlet: Arm Gallery
Emily Babette: Acceptable Risk LA
Jennie Park: CalArts MFA

Moderated by Virginia Broersma of The Artist’s Office

The Artist’s Contract: Drafting New Terms for 2021
with the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh
September 30, 2020

As we approach the 50th Anniversary of the Artist's Reserved Rights Transfer and Sale Agreement from 1971, new terms are needed to address the rights of artists in 2021. Join us for a virtual seminar on artist contracts and a discussion about what a new Artist Contract should include.

Artist Statement Clinic
with LUCTA-LA
September 9, 2020

In this clinic, artists will learn about what makes an effective artist statement including methods of communicating ideas and describing artwork. The bulk of the workshop will then be spent workshopping each participant’s existing statement through group assessment and discussion. Like a writer’s workshop or a crit group, each artist will present their existing statement and receive comments and constructive feedback from the group, and offer the same for the other artists. This process is designed to grow each artist’s ability to find language that fits their own voice for talking about their work, both in the written word and in conversation. 

How To: Write an Exhibition Proposal
with Flatline Gallery
August 12, 2020

When an artist or curator submits an idea for an exhibition to an open call or to a space that might host the show, an exhibition proposal is frequently required. Each opportunity might have slightly different requirements, however writing a clear and well thought-out description is crucial for communicating your idea to the people who will be deciding whether or not to offer you their space and support.

In this workshop, artist Virginia Broersma will be going over the common expectations for an exhibition proposal and factors that will help proposals receive the desired consideration. Examples will be provided, along with pitfalls to avoid. This workshop is geared towards both artists and curators who would like to learn about writing exhibition proposals.

The Artist’s Contract: Drafting New Terms for 2021
Taught by Susan Schwartz, presented by The Artist’s Office
August 24, 2020

In 1971, The Artist’s Reserved Rights Transfer and Sale Agreement  (the “Artist’s Contract”) was created by Curator Seth Siegelaub and Attorney Robert Projansky.  It was created and then distributed in poster form as a tool for artists to protect their rights once their work has been sold. 

Many of the terms of this contract were radical for their time, and remain so today.

Some things have also changed in the art world; new methodologies have developed.  As the 50th anniversary of The Artist’s Contract approaches it is time to update this contract for today’s reality. 

Join us on August 24 as Susan Schwartz leads the workshop including a seminar on the history of the Artist’s Contract and an introduction to current needs and existing legal frameworks around the protection of artists’ rights for their artwork. The 2nd half of the workshop will include an open discussion for artists to voice their interests and concerns for what should be included in a new, updated Artist’s Contract for 2021.

We invite you to participate in the shaping of this new contract. After the workshop, Susan Schwartz will draft the new contract, which will be available and widely distributed for artists’ use. 

Possible Futures: Developing Plural Practices in Contemporary Visual Art
with ICA LA, co-organized with Corrina Peipon
July 22 & 29, 2020

Though the most commonly recognized professional roles for artists are gallery representation and teaching, these models’ availability and stability are increasingly precarious. The weight of the global coronavirus pandemic and ensuing economic crisis has added new depth to this insecurity, and the recent social justice uprising has led to questions around artists’ professional ambitions in relation to their personal values. These and other cultural shifts are leading artists to consider new ways to make and share their work while meeting their financial needs and deepening their connections to their communities. 

In this pair of events conceived by Virginia Broersma (artist and founder of The Artist's Office) and Corrina Peipon (artist and independent consultant) and developed in conjunction with Asuka Hisa, Director of Learning and Engagement at ICALA, we will discuss the role of self-determination in developing models of visual art practice that expand our understanding of what a sustainable, resilient career in contemporary art can look like. These 2-hour events will take place on zoom and will unfold in two parts: 1. Moderated panel discussion with three artist guests; 2. Breakout groups in which attendees can discuss the topics addressed in the panel, share knowledge, and receive conversational feedback about current or developing plural practices. 

The Artist CV: Not Just Where You’ve Been, But Where You Need To Go
with LUCTA-LA
June 4, 2020

This workshop will first offer a nuts-and-bolts overview about building and maintaining a professional artist CV. But what I am most excited to offer is a way of thinking about your CV - as a tool or a roadmap - and as something that can help you plan actionable steps for progressing your art practice / career.

Artist can use their CV as a tool for self-assessment and identifying next steps in terms of their professional goals. We'll be discussing this within an expansive understanding of what an artists career or practice can look like, and the varied forms that success can take.

Maiden LA Pitch Session
July 1, 2020

The Artist’s Office and Maiden LA are offering a pitch workshop for those interested in participating in Maiden LA and want feedback on their idea before submitting their “happening”.

This is designed for anyone who is developing a project/event that would like to tap into the collective knowledge bank of members of the art community. Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their idea to the group and receive feedback from the other attendees about their idea and how to make it successful. 

Each participant should plan to pitch an idea and to offer their feedback on the other participants pitches. 

Get It: Pursuing Artist Opportunities
with the Irvine Fine Art Center
June 18 & 25, 2020

This two-part series led by artist, writer, and independent curator Virginia Broersma, will cover the fundamentals that emerging visual artists need to know in order to present themselves professionally and competitively for career-expanding opportunities.

Part 1: Preparing for Opportunities

This workshop will cover the four essentials that artists should prepare in advance of applying for exhibition opportunities: their CV/Resume, Artist Biography, Artist Statement, and images of their work. These four elements are standard when applying to open call opportunities, and are often asked for by curators and exhibition spaces when considering developing a professional relationship with a new artist.

In this presentation, artist Virginia Broersma will cover each of these components including what the basic expectations are, pitfalls to avoid, and tips and resources for getting these materials together. Broersma will explain what purpose each component serves, and how you can shape them for particular opportunities. 

Part 2: Finding Opportunities

Many artists are unaware of the opportunities they can pursue to share and fund their artwork. Knowing how to look for these opportunities and determine what could be of value at any stage in your career is a significant component of being proactive in your art practice. 

In this presentation, artist Virginia Broersma will be discussing different types of artist opportunities such as grants, juried shows, residencies and more.  Examples will be provided to highlight what artists should look for in assessing the value of each opportunity. 

Artist Social Hour
with Art Clout, Long Beach
January 16, 2020

The Artist’s Office and Art Clout partnered to host a social hour for artists.

Contracts for Artists
Taught by Artist and Attorney Susan Schwartz
December 7, 2019

There are many circumstances where having a contract in place will help protect you and your work. What can you do if your work is lost or damaged while it is being exhibited? What can you do if your gallery goes out of business? What can you do if the artwork you have sold is reproduced without your permission? The answers to these questions depend on your agreement - that is, your contract - with your gallery, art fair or purchaser.

You can protect yourself by having a written contract. You should have a written contract, and you can write a contract yourself.

Join us as artist and practicing attorney Susan Schwartz will discuss why artists need a contract to protect themselves and their work; how to negotiate a contract which will cover the details that are important to an artist; and how to draft a simple and clear contract.

Art Packing Workshop
Taught by Kate Sikorski
October 5, 2019

I am very excited to be offering a workshop for artists to learn how to safely prepare 2D and 3D works for handling and shipping.

For this workshop, I am bringing in artist Kate Sikorski who has experience working as an art handler. She will go over the terms involved in packing and handling and will demonstrate how to safely pack your work including drawings, paintings and sculpture.

Damage to your precious work can be prevented by understanding the materials, tools and techniques for professional packing and is a skill every artist who makes physical work should gain. Kate will also go over best practices for storing work in your studio.

Adobe Lightroom for Artists
Taught by Christine Seror
June 15, 2019

High quality images are one of the most important factors in getting grant, residency and exhibition opportunities. Knowing how to take and edit images yourself in a pinch or on a budget is an important tool for artists to have. That's why I am excited to offer this Intro to Lightroom specifically for artists.

This workshop will help artists become familiar with using Lightroom as a tool to streamline the process of importing, organizing and developing images. After this 2-hour workshop, artists will be able to take photos of their work in the studio and be able to edit them to look professional without having to hire a photographer.

Things you will learn: 

• how to fix light and dark spots, straighten edges and color correct

• how to add copyright metadata

• how to catalog images for your archive

• and more - bring your questions!

Chatting With Gatekeepers
with Dorit Cypis and Irene Tsatsos
March 18, 2019

I am thrilled to invite you to a special conversation about the jurying process for artist opportunities. Dorit Cypis - artist, mediator and social activator and Ciara Ennis - Curator and Director of the Pitzer College Art Galleries will be talking about their experience as jurors, offering artists insight and information about this process that is rarely shared with the artists who apply.

This conversation will be the first in a series that will provide insight on the sometimes opaque processes in the art world to help artists make strategic choices for their art career.