With the Creative Consults directory now available we are ready to take on new consultants in the coming months. Check back for upcoming deadlines.

Creative Consults functions as a service directory for VANS members searching for support in their professional art practice.

Each consultant profile will contain information about the expertise they’re offering and their past work experience that reflects their skill level. Consultants also have a list of rates to accompany the service provided. VANS members will be able to request a booking directly on the consultant’s profile. The consultant is responsible for responding to booking requests, organizing a date/time to meet, and handling payments/invoices. We recommend that the meetings take place over Zoom and that payments are requested/invoiced before the meeting.

Each application goes through a jury process and will be notified by email.

Application Requirements

• Has a specialized area of expertise that can serve artists through their professional development.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the expertise being offered.
• Has experience teaching/consulting their expertise with others.
• Is a member of VANS.
• Currently living in Nova Scotia.

Please contact Carri MacKay, Programming Coordinator: communicate@visualarts.ns.ca

Apply Now – Google Form

Apply Now – PDF Form

About The Creative Consult Program

Creative Consults is an online program for VANS members to access artist-informed expertise. Members will have access to a directory of consultant profiles and book directly with a creative expert that suits their needs. Each member consultant will have a profile on our website, making their services available to members, and set their hourly rates for each service.

Recommended rates are between $40 and $100 per hour.

Program Structure

Application
Once the expert has applied, a jury will choose the consultants based on the expertise they offer to artists and meet the eligibility criteria. This program is a VANS member-to-member benefit. The VANS membership is required to activate the consultants’ profile in the Creative Consults directory. There is no fee to participate beyond the VANS membership. Not a VANS member? You can become one here.

Consultant profile
Once the application is approved and the VANS membership status is confirmed, The consultant’s profile will appear on the Creative Consults page through the VANS website. Each profile will include a photo, short bio, list of consulting areas and the hourly rate for each type of consult they offer. We ask consultants to have clear service rates provided for members’ inquiries.

Booking requests
A member will search through the profiles to find a consultant that suits their needs. The consultant will receive a booking request from a VANS member via email and ensure they have the skills the member is seeking and are available. The consultant will follow up with the booking request within a week of receiving it. They will then independently coordinate a date and time with the member for the consultation within 3 months of the request.

Before the meeting
The consultant will email an invoice to the member stating the member’s consult needs, the consultation type, amount of hours booked, the total amount owed, payment instructions, date and meeting place confirmed (virtual meetings are encouraged at this time).

Payment
Once the meeting is confirmed, the member will send the payment directly to the consultant. It is advised that the consultant asks for the payment 2-3 days before their meeting. It is the consultant’s responsibility to collect their remuneration from the member.

After the meeting
The consultant will send VANS and the member a receipt to confirm the consultation’s completion. The member will receive a survey to provide feedback on their experience.

Areas of Expertise

(Could include but not limited to)

Applications: Grant Writing, Exhibition Proposals, Residency Applications, Public Art RFPs.

Financial Management: Accounting, Budgets, Funding.

Design: Graphic Design, Website Development, Printing.

Exhibition: Installations, Transportation, Layout, Documentation.

Business: Contracts, Brand Identity, Networking, Sales, Project Management.