A Survival Guide for Visual Artists
Making art and making an art career are two different things. A professional artist is responsible for the day to day business of their career such as financial management, applying for grants and funding, documenting work marketing, promotion, researching opportunities, and a list of other tasks. These areas are not always covered within the education system so, while highly educated and skilled, many visual artists are not prepared for the reality of life after art school.
As an artist led organisation VAI is keenly aware that artists are pressed for time, trying to fit their art making into daily lives that juggle family, work and other commitments. We hope this manual will provide you with some of the tools to make the most of the opportunities that come your way, whether it be pursuing a post graduate course, getting a studio, entering juried exhibitions, initiating your own projects or getting representation through a gallery. But, don’t forget… you should never rely on an opportunity finding you. It is very much you creating them for yourself. VAI is there to assist you with the many services and information channels that we offer to professional visual artists in all art forms.

Ambivalant Spectacle? Jason Oakley Reflects on ‘Arts Awards: Prizes! Prizes!’
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How is it Made? Jonathan Cummins Discusses his Film Installation ‘When I Leave These Landings’
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How is it Made? Mick Kelly and Istvan Laszlo discuss their work for the LUAS/RPA Docklands
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Career Develoment: Laura Gannon – Letting the Work Lead
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Career Development: Lisa Fingleton – Participation, Process & Partnership
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Career Development: Dougal McKenzie – Art & Opportunity
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How is it Made? Brian Breathnach (2B) – Keep Pushing The Brush
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Making It: Lily Cahill
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The Science and Art of Pricing and Costing Your Work
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Making Sales: Video and New Media Artworks
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Tax and Self-Employment – Northern Ireland
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Tax and Self-Employment
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Pensions for Artists
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Working with Public Galleries
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With Practicality comes a Practice: the Artist as Curator
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