When you apply for an art grant, it’s not just your portfolio that gets reviewed—your writing matters just as much. And at the center of it all is your artist statement.

But here’s a common mistake: reusing the same statement you wrote for your website or a past exhibition. While those versions introduce your work, a grant-specific artist statement must do much more. It should communicate your ideas, your creative vision, and how you plan to use the grant.

The selection committee isn’t just looking at your past—they want to understand where you're going and why your work matters. That’s why writing a strong, focused, and specific artist statement is essential.

Here’s how you can write one:

If you are an artist working to build your career, you already know that an artist statement is much more than just a short introduction.
It’s a powerful part of your identity—a bridge that connects your artwork to your audience.

But here’s an important truth:
One artist statement cannot work everywhere. Different platforms, galleries, and audiences expect different things from you.