RELEASE: The Clark Hulings Foundation for Visual Artists Names 20 Artist Fellows for its 2017 Business Accelerator Program
Designated Artists To Receive Free Tuition for The Foundation’s Intensive Educational Program, Which Features Tailored Business Training and Expertise
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO (December 6, 2016) — The Clark Hulings Foundation for Visual Artists (CHF), the acclaimed national nonprofit organization, has chosen twenty artist fellows for its 2017 Business Accelerator Program. The selected artists will participate next year in CHF’s innovative and comprehensive initiative, which seeks to transform the art industry by helping artists better manage their businesses and overcome the specific entrepreneurial challenges they face. The program’s mission is for artists to be financially independent and earn a sustainable living through the creation of their art.
CHF’s twenty fellows will receive free tuition to attend The Foundation’s year-long web-based Business Accelerator workshop course, which provides tailored training and expertise on the art industry. The course addresses business topics such as contracts, negotiations, sales, marketing, and relationship management. Participating artists will also receive individualized support and feedback from CHF’s Business Accelerator team on strategic planning and growth; support with promotion and PR outreach; and an art-business toolset that includes access to a media library and a cloud-based inventory- and collection-tracking system for visual art.
At the course’s conclusion in December 2017, CHF will select up to ten participants to receive direct funding for targeted business expenses, as determined jointly by CHF and the artist. The CHF team also will provide these artists with one-on-one business support and guidance to ensure that The Foundationing delivers the greatest possible impact on each recipient’s business. This support can include anything from assistance with strategy and implementation, to help in evaluating bids from vendors to carry out specific tasks, such as designing a website or drawing up a contract.
The 2017 artist fellows are based in various locations around the U.S. and elsewhere. While CHF does not give preference to any particular art movement, style, or trend, all applicants were required to be professional painters, artists working on paper, and/or sculptors who:
- Employ traditional media, not including photography, film, or video
- Have had their work exhibited and/or published professionally
- Are pursuing specific opportunities or projects for which CHF’s support would make a substantial difference in their business prospects
- Are United States citizens or permanent residents
- Have not previously been awarded a grant from CHF
“This year’s group of nearly 100 applicants was extraordinary, which made for a competitive and exciting selection process,” said Elizabeth Hulings, CHF’s director. “It was immensely gratifying to review their applications, which reflected an even higher caliber of artist than we’ve ever had before.”
“We are thrilled for our twenty fellows, and we anticipate a vigorous and intense training program in 2017,” added Hulings.
