An Artist’s Guide to Writing a Successful Art Proposal

Art makes a big difference in people’s lives. As kids, the arts help us understand other concepts like math and makes us well-rounded critical thinkers.

As adults, we can enjoy the arts as a hobby. We can also make a lot of money from it, with arts generating $67 billion every year.

Making your way in the art world as an artist, you’ll have to write an art proposal sooner or later. Keep reading to learn how to write an art proposal the right way.

Know Your Audience

Before you submit your proposal, figure out what your audience is looking for. What is their goal in seeking submissions?

Is it a community project? Are they looking for new artists with challenging and fresh perspectives?

Don’t just send proposals everywhere with a “one size fits all” approach. Tailor your introduction to their needs.

Follow Instructions

Here’s an easy way to trip up. You need to follow the proposal guidelines.

Make sure you understand how to submit your proposal. Again, don’t submit something generic and include all of the information they require.

Present Your Idea

Presenting your idea is your chance to sell yourself. Your goal is to get your target excited about your idea.

You’ll need to have a clear artist’s statement. Don’t get bogged down with too much explanation.

The main points to get across are why you are proposing, what you intend to do, and how you’re going to do it.

Show Your Art Off Right

The most important part of any art proposal is the art itself. When you submit your proposal, make sure you show your art off right.

Take the extra time to ensure your art is photographed right. If you need to submit extra information, like video, maquettes, or other visual aids, provide them as needed.

Include Your Resume

Add a section with your resume to your proposal. You can show off other successful projects or prove that you’ve had experience with other art projects.

Just because your resume has dense information doesn’t mean it should be boring. You can use proposal templates to tie it all together and make it interesting for the reader.

Budgeting

Talking about money isn’t the fun part of the art proposal but it’s essential. Here’s another chance to prove that your project is doable and affordable.

In the budget, you should include the cost of materials and how long it should take you to set up. It’s always a good idea to budget in a little extra money in case the cost of material goes up or you need more time.

How to Write an Art Proposal the Right Way

Make every aspect of your proposal creative and eye-catching. Show off who you are and all that you have to offer.

Remember to follow their submission guidelines. Any information should be engaging yet concise.

Prepare the necessary information to back up your proposal. Your resume and a steady budget go a long way towards proving you’re a good candidate.

Now you know how to write an art proposal and how to do it right. Check out our other how-to articles to level up your skills!

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