“Tell us about your practice”, “Please provide a brief bio”, however it’s phrased, the artistic statement is one of the most often requested parts of an application or submission form, and can appear everywhere from a CV to portfolio website.
An artistic statement introduces you as an artist to potential collaborators and audiences. It can also serve as a helpful reminder to yourself of why you create and provide motivation on days when inspiration runs low.
This is precisely what makes crafting one so daunting. How do we even begin to write a short statement that has to present the most complete and truest picture of our artistic lives?
1. An introduction to you
The first line of your statement should include basic facts about yourself: your name, pronouns, whether you’re a writer/director/theatremaker/producer/actor/etc. , and any other relevant biographical information like where you’re from or the stage of career you’re in.
For example, “Jane Doe (she/her) is a writer-director from North London.”
2. Why do you write? What do you write about?
Take a look at your body of work, everything from full-length plays to the writing exercises done in five minutes then lost between the pages of your notebook. Each of these pieces has come from a place of care within you and says something about the themes, topics, places, and communities you think and care about.
Write a list of themes and topics you find keep reappearing. Then any settings or groups of people. How do they relate to your life experiences? For example, do you write a lot about immigrant communities because you grew up in an immigrant household? Or about a particular region of the UK because you grew up in the area?
This exercise should help you identify the things you care about as an artist and explore in your work which you can then write a few sentences about to include in your statement. Remember to keep it as brief and easy to read as possible.
3. Why should people care?
The artistic statement is as much about presenting your work as it is about presenting yourself as an artist. People invest in stories, so how does your work feed into your personal narrative?
4. Current projects
End your statement with a brief description of any current projects you may be working on. This can be a new play you’re writing or a project you’re planning, it does not necessarily have to be a show you’re about to produce or direct. Don’t feel like you’re only able to include professional projects. Instead, what are you excited to be working on, which project is currently feeding your creative soul?
Some last tips:
Be specific! Take the time to reflect on your practice so far and be selective about what you’d like to highlight in your statement. You are unique. Vagueness obscures that, specificity highlights it.
Know your audience. Adapt your base statement according to whether it’s appearing on your CV (for potential employers/collaborators), your website (for anyone curious), or in a grant application (for an arts body). Be aware of the different priorities of each group and what they might be more interested to know.
Use your base statement as a jumping off point for statements of intent.
It’s natural for your artistic practice and priorities to change, don’t be afraid to update your statement as and when you feel it’s necessary.
Happy writing and good luck!
Note: This post is part of a new series of blog posts giving advice and tips on navigating the theatre industry. Contact us if there’s a topic you’d like to see a post on or one you’d like to write as a guest writer!
Source(s):
https://thecreativeindependent.com/guides/how-to-write-an-artist-statement/