Emerging Artist Incubator Program

SebArts Emerging Artist Incubator Program is designed to empower and support talented emerging artists on their journey to establish themselves as successful and sustainable artists by providing professional development. The program encompasses various aspects of their careers, from artistic development to financial management and community building.

Program Duration: 3 months (April - June 2024). Cohort size: 6 artists. Emerging artists are defined as those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging larger communities in their practice. Individuals at this career stage may have had a few public showings of their work, but do not yet have ongoing resources or support.

The program includes seven modules: Artistic Development (studio space access in Sebastopol and monthly critique sessions with experienced artists, plus individual mentorship from established artists); Branding and Marketing (personal branding workshops, artist statement and portfolio development, social media training); Finances and Bookkeeping (workshops on budgeting, financial planning, pricing artwork, and bookkeeping tools); Storytelling (crafting artist statements and biographies); Developing Collector Relationships (networking events, gallery visits, and art fairs); Exhibiting (curatorial guidance, gallery layout design, promotional materials, and public speaking training); and Developing Community (artist gatherings and community engagement opportunities).

Eligibility: California-based artists, 18 years of age and older, working in any artistic discipline. Artists need not be professionally employed. All creative disciplines are welcome, including visual arts, literary arts, and cultural practitioners. Applicants must be available April 1 - June 30, 2024.

Application Requirements: Artist narrative, work samples (minimum 2, maximum 10 total samples including up to 10 images, 4 audio files, and 4 video files), letter of support from an individual or organization familiar with the artist's work, resume, and up to two additional supporting documents such as press materials or marketing pieces.

Applications are reviewed by peer review panels based on: Creative Vision (artist effectively communicates personal story, artistic medium, and long-term aspirations); Aesthetic Excellence (artistic work displaying commitment, communal meaning, cultural integrity, risk-taking, and sensory/emotional experience); and Community Engagement and Social Impact (artist's engagement with community and positive social impact locally, regionally, or statewide).