ARPA GRANT RECIPIENT

Hi there, are you an artist or creator? Are you interested in developing your skills and creations? If so this opportunity might be for you! 

The Growing Artist Project is an expansion of what The Annex, located in the New London Cultural District, is currently doing and represents for the New London community. A mentorship cohort that will directly affect new and experienced New London artists. This is a funded project that will allow us to focus on uplifting under-represented creatives to expand their craft in multiple ways. Working one on one with the experienced artists who have been flourishing in the New London art community for over 15 years. It will focus on helping the creatives learn the process of curating and creating an art exhibit. This includes: studio practices, creating a business, such as assisting them in monetizing their work by creating a line of merchandise (prints, stickers, t-shirts, etc.), they will also have an on camera interview to help tell their individual story, all leading up to them showcasing their artwork at The Annex for 5 weeks. 

EACH ARTIST GROWTH MENTORSHIP INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING

• MEET & PLAN:  First the artist will meet with the Annex Crew to map out their development plan. Setting a date for their exhibit at the Annex, scheduling their on camera interview and based on their needs we develop the best direction as far as studio practices, merchandising and executing production of their work, etc.
• ANNEX ARTIST CHAT:  This is an on camera interview where each artist gets to share their unique story. Professionally produced and interviewed. This will be shared on all media platforms and given to the artist to use as they wish, such as sharing with the public and other curators to help further their career. Helping them understand and create a public relations path. 
• MEET WITH PROJECT CONSULTANT:  Through the entire process the artist will meet with the Project Consultant, they will oversee and be supportive in the success of this growth experience. We will identify each artist's individual needs and meet them where they are to help them reach success and elevate their future as a New London artist. The project consultant will also introduce the artist to the community, such as other local businesses, attend a New London Art’s Council meeting, and attend other New London Gallery openings. 
• MEET WITH THE MERCHANDISING DEVELOPER:  Each artist will work with them to develop products, inventory, and learn how to best grow their creations as well as how to brand them. Giving them marketing techniques and guidance. Learning from the successful examples we have in The Annex and researching techniques that best fit each person. 
• THE PRINTMAKING SESSION: Each artist will work directly with an experienced printmaker/artist, whether it’s screen printing or stationary printing they will get the chance to learn how to take their work from one format to another. Working with graphic artists to digitally transfer their creations. Teaching them skills to create sellable products. This artistic process is pivotal in understanding not only the history of art making but giving the artist power to produce valuable products. 
• EXHIBITION: Not only will they be showcasing their work at the Annex, they will get the experience of curating their show, and learn what goes into the full execution of planning and prepping for the event. Hanging, tagging, displaying their merchandise, pricing and branding their work, booking other contributing artists or musicians, creating an aesthetic that welcomes the entire community. A lot goes into these events, this opportunity gives them the in’s and out’s of how to pull off a successful art opening. Working together directly with the Annex crew, teaching them our greatest value, safety in community and collaboration.
• THE CLOSING: Once the art opening event takes place, the artist will continue to learn and develop skills needed to promote their work, updating their products, keeping inventory and basic POS skills. They will take any unsold work, products with them once the show is over. Each of these artists will walk away with new skills, new ambition, new opportunities and new friends and community connections. If they feel it fit, they can continue to sell their work/products at the Annex. Everything they’ve created is theirs! They can sell online, sell it elsewhere and continue to prosper, knowing they now have the Annex as a network to use for furthering their career.