Art proposals are versatile but formal documents developed for artists, curators, organizations as well as potential sponsors. Therefore, art proposals are utilized for various goals but must follow a basic format.
Types of Art Proposals (10)
- Artist Statement – A uniquely formatted proposal to define an artist’s vision, goals, techniques, vision, as well as their philosophy.
- Collaborative – This type of proposal focuses on defining the roles, tasks, and protocol for two or more artists who will work on a specific project.
- Commission – Proposals focusing on the timeline, materials, and budget of an art project since the art must follow specific client requirements.
- Educational – A proposal geared to an artist’s teaching abilities, thus describing the artist’s qualifications and work format.
- Exhibition – This proposal presents artist themes and techniques since it approaches clients such as galleries for exhibit space.
- Grant – A proposal seeking funds to complete an art piece and therefore offers definitive objectives and timelines.
- Public Art – Proposals seeking public space exhibits, thus focusing on compliance and positive effects on a neighborhood.
- Public Engagement – A proposal for an installation where the general or paying public participates in the creation process.
- Residency – The proposal used to request a specific location and period for work space together with a presentation of client benefits for this support.
- Site Specific – Proposal concerned with an installation’s environmental interaction, thus presenting its development, materials, and sustainability.
1. Art Project Title Page
Produce a noticeable and likable cover page that can also deliver its title and author at a glance. It is equally important to cite the project name or identifier (if relevant).
Title, Artists Name, Logo
Contact Information, Design Elements
Date, Recipient’s Name/Organization
Visual Elements, Overview, Copyright Information
Sponsorship, Funding Acknowledgement
2. Artist Introduction
Introduce the artist or group to the potential client while discussing their skills. Also, set up a positive attitude for the remainder of the proposal.
Greetings, Introduction Of The Artist
Purpose Of the Proposal, Project Overview
Artist Statement, Audience And Impact
Audience And Impact, Project Timeline
Budget, Call To Action (CTA), Contact Information
3. Artist Statement
Present the artist’s background and mission as well as their approach or methodology. For example, discuss the artist’s creative process and technical skills.
Artistic Philosophy, Inspirations, Themes, Concepts
Materials, Techniques, Narrative, Process
Previous Work, Evolution, Audience Engagement
Conclusion, Length, Clarity, Personal Voice
CTA, Emotions, Intentions
4. Art Exhibit Or Project Objectives
Specifically, define the reason for the art project and the anticipated result. For instance, describe the message the artist wishes to make or the benefits of the final product.
Clear Goals, Specific Objectives, Artistic Vision
Educational Goals, Metrics, Evaluation
Coordination, Collaboration, Partnerships
Budget Considerations, Flexibility
Mission/Theme Alignement, Long-Term Impact
5. Art Project Or Exhibit Description
Guide the art client through a step-by-step description of the art project accordingly. For example, define the artist’s medium(s) and why they are ideal for the client’s vision.
Project Title, Concept, Medium Techniques
Installation, Narrative, Storytelling
Venue, Interactive Elements, Aesthetics
Timeline, Production Process, Logistics, Installation
Engagement, Audience Experience, Social Context
6. Project Or Exhibit Timeline
Deliver the anticipated schedule for the art project as well as specific dates for milestone events. In addition, devote some attention to setting up the plans and topics for meetings and feedback presentations.
Start Date, Key Milestones, Phase Durations
Breakdown, Interactions, Dependencies
Site Preparation, Installation, Testing, Contingencies
Quality Control, Public Engagement, Final Presentation
Cleanup/Wrap-Up, Project Completion Date
7. Project Or Exhibit Budget And Costs
Continue the proposal by presenting its budget and summing up the total project cost. This topic requires transparency; thus, report every cost the art client must pay, whether directly generated by the artist or not.
Total Project Cost, Income Sources, Expense Categories
Materials/Supplies, Production, Fabrication, Funding
Transportation, Space Rental, Installation, Display
Promotion, Marketing, Insurance, Event Expenses
Income Projections, Budget Narrative, Taxes
8. Outreach And Promotion
Spell out the artist’s efforts in gaining an audience, especially focusing on the client’s target demographics. Additionally, mention any collaborations relevant to this exhibit with promotional reach across an audience.
Target Audience, Promotional Goals, Content Creation
Marketing Strategy, Online Presence, Promtional Materials
Traditional Marketing, Public Relations, Media Coverage
Collaborations, Community Engagement, Social Media
Email Marketing, Crowdfunding, Fundraising, Metrics
9. Audience Engagement
Explain the level of engagement the client can expect from the audience, especially if this is an interactive exhibit. Detail specifically how the artist intends the audience to act during the exhibit.
Audience Identification, Goals, Interactive Elements
Artist Talks, Workshops, Installations, Marketing
Virtual Engagement, Educational Initiatives, Community
Accessibility, Audience Feedback, Online Engagement
Promotion, Evaluation, Assessment, Budget, Sustainability
10. Resume Or CV
Present the experience and professional history of the artist since this assures the client that the artist can complete this project successfully.
Artist Statement, Education, Exhibitions, Art-Related Skills
Publications, Collections, Residencies, Fellowships
Awards, Affiliations, Teaching Experiences
Lectures, Workshops, Public Art Projects, Collaborations
Bibliography, Exhibition Proposals, Current Projects
11. Visuals/Media
Capture the client’s attention with some visuals of previous projects as well as mock-ups of the current project. Consider this section an opportunity to impress the client with the artist’s skills.
Artwork Images, Image Captions, Sketches
Renderings, Installation Plans, Exhibition Layout
Artistic Process, Interactive Elements
Before/After Visuals, Scale, Perpective
Digital Presentations, Credits, Sources
12. Support Materials
Additionally, it is equally important that the client possesses all material necessary for this proposal’s completion, whether directly related or not. For example, permits may be required for a sculpture exhibit on public lands.
Letters of Recommendation, Catalogs, Publications
Press Clippings/Reviews, Artistic Statements
Artwork Documentation, Past Projects, Work Samples
Exhibit History, Residency/Fellowship Acceptance Letters
Curatorial Experience, Permissions And Rights
13. Art Proposal Conclusion
Gather the attractive features of the art proposal while reminding the client of the artist’s vision and skills. In addition, invite the art client to continue the correspondence with questions or to proceed to the contract.
Key Points, Reiteration Of Vision, Goal Alignment
Enthusiasm, Acknowledgment Of Support
Contact Information, Closing Remarks
Signature, Enclosures or Appendices
Politeness, Professionalism
14. Appendices
Combine all documents not yet included, required by this proposal, client, and artist together with any media or links (portfolios). Present these items as a final section, especially if they are required to proceed to an agreement.
Images, Visuals, Supporting Documents
Work Samples, Exhibition History, Resumes, C.V.
Press, Artistic Process Documentation, Publications
Financial Documents, Additional References
Sustainability And Other Relevant Documents
Adobe PDF
Microsoft Word
OpenDocument