Workshops
Click on the square tiles below to select your workshops and pay online. You can also pay by e-transfer to communicate@visualarts.ns.ca – just remember to send us an email with your contact info for registration. Have questions or need help registering? Contact communicate@visualarts.ns.ca.
If you really want to take one of these workshops but the cost is out of reach, please get in touch with Carri at communicate@visualarts.ns.ca about a workshop bursary.
WORKSHOPS
WRITING YOUR ARTIST STATEMENT & CV 
Having a polished artist statement and CV at the ready makes applying for opportunities so much easier. If only it was easy to write them. This workshop will cover the proper format for your artist CV (it’s different from your résumé) and what to include in it to show your accomplishments in their best light. We will review what to write in an artist statement to give readers insight into your practice (without oversharing) and how to connect your words to your work. Practical examples, formatting tips, and templates will be provided as well. We promise to make this somewhat dry info as interesting as we can!
Instructor: Carri MacKay, Arts Administrator and Writing Tutor
ONLINE
Thursday, April 30, 6 – 8pm
Registration Deadline: April 28
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HOW TO GIVE A GREAT ARTIST TALK
Do you struggle to talk confidently about your work? In this workshop we will cover the basics of giving an artist talk, how to prepare, what to cover, specific tips and tricks for online and in-person talks, and the different ways you can frame the talk to fit within your specific access needs. Being able to comfortably talk about your practice in any setting (professional / casual) will help you form connections, grow your network and gain a stronger sense of identity within the broader arts community.
Instructor: Lux Gow-Habrich (始娜), Artist and Educator
ONLINE
Wednesday, May 6, 6 – 8 pm AT
Registration Deadline: May 1
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PRICING YOUR WORK
Most artists face a common challenge: How do you accurately price your work without second-guessing yourself? This workshop will show you how to establish prices that ensure you have a profitable business. Commonly used calculations for pricing visual art and craft will be discussed, and how to set your prices with confidence. We’ll talk about how price fits into your overall marketing strategy, and how your prices can send the right signal to the right customers.
Instructor: Stacey Cornelius, Marketing strategist
ONLINE
Thursday, May 14, 6 – 8 pm AT
Registration Deadline: May 11
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CONTRACT & COPYRIGHT BASICS
Why is a contract important? What should you look for – and what are the red flags? How are Copyrights and Contracts related? As an artist, what should you know about your copyrights and how you can make them work for you? This workshop will provide an overview of these and other related issues and concepts, including the Artist Resale Right. Attendees will also be provided with a list of resources for ongoing reference and support in improving their understanding of these tools in their professional life.
Instructor: Sydney Lancaster, Multidisciplinary Artist and Advocate
ONLINE
Thursday, May 21, 6 – 8 pm AT
Registration Deadline: May 18
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS:
Carri MacKay has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from NSCAD, a Bachelor of Education specializing in Visual Art from MSVU, and a Master of Museum Studies specializing in Public Programming from the University of Toronto. Previously, she taught art and ceramics for years in Kjipuktuk (Halifax) and has worked in arts admin for university art centres as well as public and commercial art galleries. She also worked at Job Junction, an employment resource centre, helping people craft resumes, CVs, and cover letters. In addition to being the Programming Coordinator at VANS, Carri tutors at the NSCAD University Writing Centre where she helps students improve their written work.
Lux Gow-Habrich (始娜) is a multidisciplinary visual artist, facilitator and support worker of mixed third-generation Chinese and German heritage, practicing between Tkarón:to (Toronto, ON) and Kjipuktuk (Halifax, NS). They blend gestural, craft and creative community practices to redefine our understanding of art and cultural praxis as sacred remedial forces that can deeply transform and mend systems and relationships. Committed to developing inclusive creative platforms, and reimagining cultural futures, Lux’s practice is an expression rooted in relational and access dreaming.
Stacey Cornelius is a people-first marketing strategist and operations consultant. She helps small businesses create smart, sustainable marketing — while dismantling the patriarchy and its cousins one small action at a time. Stacey has a BFA from NSCAD university and a background in retail, jewellery making and web design. She’s been teaching in-person and online workshops for well over a decade and is currently the fractional Executive Director for the Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award.
Sydney Lancaster is a multidisciplinary visual artist and writer living in Esoqatik/ Mtapan/ Wolfville. She has over a decade of experience in supporting the careers of visual artists on the Boards of CARFAC Alberta, CARFAC National, and COVA-DAAV (Copyright Visual Arts). She assisted in the creation of the Best Practices for Craft, Media and Visual Artists in Alberta.
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Contract & Copyright Basics
Price range: $40.00 through $50.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Pricing Your Work
Price range: $40.00 through $50.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
How to Give a Great Artist Talk
Price range: $40.00 through $50.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Writing Your Artist Statement and CV
Price range: $40.00 through $50.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Cancellation Policy: Refunds of 75% of workshop fee will be given if cancellation occurs 72 hours or more prior to the beginning of the workshop. No refund will be given if cancellation occurs on the day of the workshop. If VANS cancels the workshop for any reason, registrants will be notified and given a full refund.
* Due to the extreme provincial budget cuts, VANS is offering fewer workshops, all will be online as a cost-saving measure, and all MUST have enough people registered to break even.
For more information, please contact:
Carri MacKay
Programming Coordinator
Visual Arts Nova Scotia
1113 Marginal Road
Halifax, NS B3H 4P7