Artworks: Creative Industries is VSA arts of Texas’ career development program for emerging artists with disabilities. The program serves artists around the state who, in addition to the regular challenges faced by artists starting their careers, face unique challenges of their own. To meet these challenges, Artworks: Creative Industries provides skills training and professional development resources in all artistic disciplines – music, visual art, performance and literature. Artworks: Creative Industries supports artists at any stage of development: youth transitioning into college or work, beginners just learning to draw and accomplished artists preparing to start their own business.
Panel members lead a discussion during an Artworks regional meeting.
Through a variety of regular regional workshops the Artworks: Creative Industries program offers customized services, including:
Classes – Classes in creative writing, drawing, watercolor, stained glass and other media. Read about upcoming classes.
Workshops – Half-day and full-day workshops on business topics such as goal setting, marketing, portfolio development, managing a business, and Social Security work incentives. Read about upcoming workshops.
Simplified Social Security Information – As an artist with a disability, you may be asking yourself these questions: Am I allowed to get a job or work as an artist and sell my paintings? If I work too much will I stop getting Social Security checks? Read more about working as an artist with a disability.
Networking Meetings – Join a local networking group of artists with disabilities in your area. Get to know other artists and learn about local opportunities through Artworks Network. Read more about the upcoming networking meetings in your area.
Online Gallery – At VSA arts of Texas Online, www.vsatx.org, we offer free space to help you market your visual art, CDs, or books. All sales through the website go directly to the artist. Visit the online gallery.
Access Gallery – The VSA arts of Texas art gallery in Austin, TX provides opportunities for visual artists to exhibit their artwork. Read more about Access Gallery.
Artist Registry – Sign up for our artist registry so that you can stay informed about upcoming events, workshops, exhibits and calls for art and to help us promote you as an artist. Download an Artist Registry form.
Statewide Calls for Art – VSA arts of Texas hosts annual calls for visual arts, literary and performing arts. Read more about upcoming calls for art.
Statewide Annual Forum on Careers in the Arts – A two-day conference with panel presentations and guest speakers on topics of employment in creative industries.
The front of the Access Gallery.
The six steps to artistic achievement:
1. Creative Vision
2. Development of Work
3. Organization
4. Preparation
5. Marketing
6. Exhibiting