Nominations for the 2009-10 class of Artists U are now closed. In May, 2010, Philadelphia performing artists will again be invited to submit a Letter of Interest to participate in Artists U.
Artists U is for professional performing artists in Philadelphia who create original work: directors, choreographers, writers, composers, and performance artists. Because much of Artists U focuses on projects (fundraising, budgeting, publicity, etc.), it is not for interpretive artists (actors or dancers), whose careers and challenges are quite different.
How does the selection process work?
Nominations are solicited from Philadelphia arts leaders and from artists themselves. A panel made up of arts leaders, artists, Artists U staff, and selected Artists U alumni consider 100-150 names. In the past, panelists have deemed 40-50 of these artists right for the program. The panel narrows that to 12, looking for several axes of diversity: age, discipline, cultural background, and career point.
There are more worthy artists than there are spaces in the program. Not being invited to participate should not be viewed as a verdict on your work or you suitability.
What are the requirements of being in Artists U?
Artists in the program must commit to attending the Creative Capital all-day session (9:00 am-6:00 pm on Saturday, October 10) and all of the monthly sessions (7:00-9:00 pm on the first Monday of each month, October through June). Artists also schedule 10-15 one-on-one sessions with a facilitator throughout the year. The schedule for 2009-10 is:
Monday, October 5, 7:00-9:00 pm
Saturday, October 10, 9:00 am-6:00 pm All-day Creative Capital session
Monday, November 2, 7:00-9:00 pm
Monday, December 7, 7:00-9:00 pm
Monday, January 4, 7:00-9:00 pm
Monday, February 1, 7:00-9:00 pm
Monday, March 1, 7:00-9:00 pm
Monday, April 5, 7:00-9:00 pm
Monday, May 3, 7:00-9:00 pm
Monday, June 7, 7:00-9:00 pm
How could an artist who is younger and less experienced than me be accepted when I was not?
We are looking for a range of ages and career points, and we assess work of each artist relative to her/his career point. The level of impact and success an emerging artist has will be compared with other emerging artists, not with all artists.
What if I’m not a good writer?
We are not looking for artists who are good writers or administrators. If anything, we have a particular interest in working with artists who are completely lost administratively, who have no traction in the non-artistic parts of their careers.
Is there anything I can do to increase my chances of being invited to participate?
Keep making strong, distinctive work. Chances are, the panel is already aware of your work.
If I am not invited to participate in Artists U, are there other programs you offer?
Yes. We will begin offering a short workshop series each fall and spring. Stay tuned for more information.
