Creative Pictou County Workshops
Artist Development Project
Creative Pictou County is thrilled to announce our Artist Development Project, funded graciously by the department of Community, Culture Tourism and Heritage. This project includes free professional development workshops as well as paid exhibition and teaching opportunities.
During the community consultations at the end of 2023, we received feedback from artists that they would like more education about various topics related to the professional side of their practice, as well as exhibition opportunities. Economic development is a part of Creative Pictou County’s mission to support artists, which is why it was important to us to be able to pay artists to show their work and teach their practice.
Information on fall exhibitions and paid workshops coming soon.
The professional development workshop series is presented in partnership with Visual Arts Nova Scotia.
VISION
Visual Arts Nova Scotia believes in a future where a career as an artist is accessible, sustainable, and recognized as an integral part of our communities.
MISSION
Visual Arts Nova Scotia (VANS) supports artists through education, connection and advocacy. We operate across Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the L’nu people, also known as Nova Scotia. We prioritize artist-to-artist learning through workshops, mentorship, and sharing information about meaningful opportunities. Visual Arts Nova Scotia advocates for artists by listening to their concerns, speaking up for their needs, and creating platforms to share their work. Recognizing that equity-seeking artists face additional barriers to a career in the arts, Visual Arts Nova Scotia works to make resources accessible to artists across the province, while prioritizing support for those who are impacted by systemic oppression.
May 18 | 1pm-4pm
Exhibition Prep And Installation
This workshop focuses on the preparation that artists need to do before their exhibition, including handling, packing, and shipping, and covers some of the more practical aspects of installation. It will include discussions on appropriate hanging/installation hardware, framing options, lighting considerations, safety, troubleshooting and the artist’s responsibility. Artists anticipating exhibiting their work will learn hands-on technical skills and tricks of the trade in this behind-the-scenes view of gallery installation from professional gallery technician, David Dahms.
June 1 | 1pm-4pm
Networking & Talking About Your Work
When asked what you make, do you get tongue-tied and nervous? Maybe you try to avoid talking about your work altogether. Do you hesitate when contacting a gallery about an exhibition, or fear approaching a gallerist about representing your work? In this workshop, you’ll learn how to discuss your work with confidence and how to use these skills to create your own opportunities. A professional artist is recognized by their peers; learn how to build your networks and gain recognition for your work in the broader arts community.
October 19 | 1-4pm
How to Teach An Art Workshop
Interested in teaching art classes, but don’t know where to start? Whether you are a professional artist or an emerging artist, teaching doesn’t always come naturally. In this afternoon workshop, we will look at: planning lessons, how to be prepared, working with children vs working with adults, long term courses vs short mini workshops and many more tips on how to be a successful teacher of your art form! The goal of this workshop is to have you feeling confident about taking those first steps to start teaching.
