Visual artists need to be able to communicate their ideas in English - especially in the global art world.

 

Being able to effectively communicate ideas in English can help artists in many ways – such as to reach an international audience for their work, participate in global exhibitions and events, and to collaborate with other artists and professionals.

 

During their careers, Artists and Designers will likely need to use spoken and written English in these ways:

•          attending International exhibitions and events

•          collaborating with other artists or professionals 

•          applying for grants, residencies, and awards

•          participating in online forums/communities

•          marketing and promoting work globally

•          attending conferences, workshops, and talks

•          writing for catalogs and websites

 

English language skill development is a pressing need for most artists – especially those planning to study abroad, so we target development in 3 academic skill areas:

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• Developing an Artist’s Statement. Most artists will need to develop an artist’s statement throughout their careers, so it is good to be able to start developing one as soon as there is a complete portfolio. Most academic institutions ask for some sort of artist’s statement, or at least an application essay that requires students to discuss and explain their work both verbally and in writing.

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• Writing Analysis Paragraphs or Essays. Knowing how to write a formal analysis of a work of art (both for someone else’s work and one's own) is a fundamental skill for art and design students. Writing formal analysis essays about the artwork of others, and preparing descriptions of the work that accompanies images in a student artist’s portfolio, for example, are common tasks students need to carry out.

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• Discussion and Presentation. Art students are likely to participate many types of verbal exchanges whilst studying abroad: Critiques of their own work and the work of their peers, historical and theoretical discussions on art movements, styles, and techniques, discussions on contemporary art and current events in the art world, technical explanations of materials, tools, and processes, brainstorming/problem-solving sessions, and presentation of projects, to name a few.

 

Send us a message on the Contact page for more information about language tutoring services for preparing to study or work abroad.