This is a small-group workshop for independent artists (maximum 8 participants) who would like to regularly engage with the public, curators, art dealers, and collectors with confidence, whether through direct conversation, a variety of texts, and social media. 

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Independent artists are increasingly expected to represent their art practices effectively in funding applications, exhibitions, studio visits, and on digital platforms. Yet many artists feel resistant to articulating a practice that is intuitive, unresolved, or deliberately open-ended.

 

This two-part, in-person workshop supports artists in developing clear, flexible language about their work — without diminishing its complexity or closing down interpretation and making their work more accessible to audiences. 

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The workshop is capped at eight participants to allow for in-depth discussion, individual attention, and a high level of engagement.

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What the workshop covers

Session 1: Telling stories about your art
Participants unpack the three core stories that underpin their work:

• their origin and early influences

• the characteristics that have shaped their practice, from their medium, process and interests

• where they fit into the broader art context 

Through guided prompts and discussion, artists identify the key “kernels” of their practice and begin shaping reusable language that enhances access to their work.

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Session 2: Audiences & Texts
Building on Session 1, participants learn how to adapt their language for different audiences, including galleries, curators, collectors, and general viewers. The session focuses on practical text types, including practice statements, exhibition texts, Instagram captions, and verbal pitches.

Both sessions are discussion-based and practical, with time for writing, sharing, and peer feedback.

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Practical details

• Format: In-person workshop with a workbook

• Each session is 3 hours long

• Participants: Maximum 8 artists

• Fee for entire workshop: R3,450 per artist

• Optional personal follow-up: +R1,200 (60-minute one-on-one session)

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Dates:

Cape Town:

Session 1 - 31 January 10am to 1pm, Alliance Francaise du Cap, 155 Loop Street

Session 2 - 7 February 10am to 1pm, Alliance Francaise du Cap, 155 Loop Street

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Joburg:

Session 1 - 28 February 10am to 1pm - Goethe Institut, 119 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood

Session 2 - 7 March 10am to 1pm - Goethe Institut, 119 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood

 

A non-refundable deposit of R1500 will be required to secure your booking.