THE BAG FACTORY & ART SOURCE SOUTH AFRICA PRESENT: ARTISTS’ CAREER BOOT CAMP

A first in South Africa, it is designed to empower new artists with the critical skills to get serious about a career in the visual arts. It will train you to engage directly and confidently with market platforms to promote sustainability in your careers and professionalism in your practice.
The programme is designed as a launch pad to enable artists who are ready to enter the market at a professional level, the opportunity to develop the knowledge they will require, as well as prepare a professional portfolio of work.
It is hosted by Art Source South Africa in association with the Bag Factory and with the support of the National Arts Council.
In an intensive three month programme artists will receive professional practice training on topics such as marketing, pricing, engaging galleries and other critical areas from experienced trainers, direction from industry specialists. Each participant will receive one on one coaching and mentoring around a defined career goal, as well as critical and practical engagement with their body of work. The Boot Camp will have four intensive contact weeks over three months, setting step by step goals for participants to work towards in the time between contact weeks.
This opportunity is for visual artists who have been developing their practice and their own artistic voice for at least 3-5 years and who are committed and ready to take the next step in their careers.
There are two streams of applications:

1. Fifteen fully sponsored positions:
   Delegates aged between 20-35 years
   Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged individuals
2. Five paid positions:
   Delegates under the age of 35, whose appropriate level of practice and commitment will be demonstrated in their application submission

Selection Criteria:
To be eligible to apply for this programme the artist must be:

• Aged between 20 – 35 years
• Able to commit to the full duration of the programme and be available for the full contact weeks. (Employed artists may apply but need to confirm how they can attend the full mandatory contact weeks)
• Have a minimum of 3 years artistic practice experience
• Producing work that conforms to a contemporary genre
• Producing work showing a high technical and conceptual standard

Applicants will be shortlisted for an interview to assess their readiness for this programme and will be advised in writing of the outcome.
The independent selection panel are professionals who are informed about the programme and are familiar with the contemporary visual arts sector and rigours of an art career.
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Dates:
The programme consists of four contact weeks over a three month cycle over the period: 29 May 2024 – 1 September 2024
Targets are set for each delegate for work to be completed between each contact week
Venue:
The Bag Factory, 10 Mahlatini Street, Fordsburg, Johannesburg
Contact times:
Monday – Friday 09h00 – 17h00 each day.
Full attendance of the entire programme is mandatory and participants are expected to commit to the full programme. No exceptions will be made. Participants will be expected to respect the professional training offered by being punctual and by ensuring they engage with all aspects of the programme fully.
Costs:

• Fifteen fully sponsored positions – participation will be free but delegate will be contracted to ensure full participation
• Fee paying delegate: R 9000-00 (incl. Vat) for the programme

Applications close on the 19 April 2024 and should be emailed to: applications@bagfactoryart.org.za
For enquiries contact Aysha Waja on 011 834 9181 or for more info click here