Learn how to create a professional artist CV using the CAA standard format. Includes free templates, section-by-section breakdown, and examples for emerging to established artists.
Your artist CV is more than a list of accomplishments—it's your professional narrative. Whether you're applying to galleries, grants, academic positions, or residencies, a well-crafted CV following the College Art Association (CAA) standard format can open doors that talent alone cannot.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to create a professional artist CV that meets industry standards and showcases your unique artistic journey.
Quick Answer
Key Takeaways
An artist CV (curriculum vitae) is a comprehensive record of your professional artistic life. Unlike a traditional resume that summarizes qualifications for a specific job, an artist CV documents your entire creative career—every exhibition, award, publication, and professional activity.
The word "curriculum vitae" means "course of life" in Latin, which perfectly describes its purpose: to tell the story of your artistic development and achievements over time.
Your artist CV serves multiple purposes in the art world:
Many artists confuse CVs and resumes, but they serve different purposes in different contexts.
| Aspect | Artist CV | Resume |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2-20+ pages (grows over career) | 1-2 pages (fixed) |
| Content | Comprehensive artistic record | Targeted skills summary |
| Time Scope | Entire career | Last 10-15 years |
| Focus | Exhibitions, awards, creative work | Job-relevant experience |
| Updates | Ongoing (add everything) | Per-application (selective) |
| Audience | Art world (galleries, grants, museums) | Employers, HR departments |
When to use an artist CV:
When to use a resume:
The College Art Association (CAA) is the leading professional organization for artists, art historians, and visual arts professionals. Their CV format has become the industry standard across North American galleries, museums, and academic institutions.
Founded in 1911, the CAA sets professional standards that the art world relies on. When you follow CAA format, you're speaking the same professional language as curators, gallerists, and grant reviewers.
Using CAA format signals professionalism. When a gallerist or curator reviews hundreds of applications, a properly formatted CV:
The standard CAA format includes these sections in this order. Note that not all sections apply to every artist—only include sections where you have entries.
Your CV should begin with essential contact details, clearly formatted at the top. This section should be immediately visible and professionally presented.
Include:
Format Example:
JANE SMITH
Brooklyn, NY | janesmith@email.com | janesmith.com
Privacy Note
Never include your full street address, Social Security number, birth date, or personal details like marital status on your artist CV. This information is not relevant to your professional qualifications and raises privacy concerns.
List your formal education in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Include the degree, field of study, institution, city, state/country, and graduation year.
Format:
MFA, Painting, Yale School of Art, New Haven, CT, 2019
BFA, Studio Art, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, IL, 2015
Certificate in Printmaking, Penland School of Craft, Penland, NC, 2013
What to Include:
What to Exclude:
If you're currently enrolled, write: "MFA Candidate, Painting, [School], Expected 2026"
Solo exhibitions are your most important credential as a visual artist. They demonstrate that a gallery or institution believed in your work enough to dedicate their entire space to it.
Format:
2024 *New Horizons*, Blue Gallery, New York, NY
2023 *Material Investigations*, Space One, Los Angeles, CA
2022 *First Light*, Project Room, Gallery Name, Chicago, IL
Formatting Rules:
What Counts as "Solo":
Group exhibitions demonstrate that curators and institutions have selected your work to be shown alongside other artists. They show you're participating in broader art world conversations.
Format:
2024 *Emerging Voices*, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL
*Summer Group Show*, Blue Gallery, New York, NY
2023 *Annual Juried Exhibition*, Art Center, Denver, CO
*New Acquisitions*, Private Collection, San Francisco, CA
Organization Options:
For extensive exhibition histories, consider listing only selected group exhibitions with "(selected)" noted in the section header. This is standard practice for established artists.
List public and private collections that have acquired your work. This demonstrates market validation, institutional recognition, and the longevity of your work.
Format:
Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY
Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, NY
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, CA
Progressive Art Collection, Cleveland, OH
Private collections in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan
Guidelines:
Document all publications that feature your work—articles, reviews, catalogs, and mentions. This section shows critical engagement with your work.
Format:
Smith, John. "Rising Stars in Contemporary Art." *Art Forum*, March 2024.
Jones, Sarah. Exhibition catalog essay. *Solo Show Title*. Gallery Name, 2023.
"Best of 2023." *Hyperallergic*, December 2023.
Interview by Maria Garcia. *Art Monthly*, Issue 42, Fall 2023.
What to Include:
Formatting Notes:
Recognition from foundations, institutions, and competitions validates your work externally. This section demonstrates that others have invested in your career.
Format:
2024 Artist Fellowship, Jerome Foundation, Minneapolis, MN
2023 First Prize, Juried Competition, Museum Name, City
2022 Grant for Individual Artists, City Arts Council, $10,000
2021 Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant
What to Include:
Note on Amounts: Including grant amounts is optional. Some artists include them to demonstrate funding level; others prefer not to.
Artist residencies show that competitive programs have invested in your development. They demonstrate your ability to work in new environments and engage with communities.
Format:
2024 Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, Madison, ME (Summer)
2023 MacDowell, Peterborough, NH (6 weeks)
2022 Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, Omaha, NE (3 months)
Include:
Academic and educational activities demonstrate expertise, mentorship abilities, and community engagement.
Format:
2023-Present Adjunct Instructor, Foundation Drawing, University Name, City
2023 Visiting Artist Lecture, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL
2022 Workshop Leader, "Introduction to Encaustic," Art Center, City
2022 Visiting Critic, MFA Program, School Name, City
Categories to Include:
Include relevant experience that isn't purely artistic but demonstrates professional competence and art world engagement.
What to Include:
Your CV should be easy to read and professional in appearance.
Recommended Fonts:
Size: 10-12pt for body text; your name can be slightly larger (14-16pt)
Margins: 0.75" to 1" on all sides
Line Spacing: 1.15 to 1.5 for readability
Consistency is the hallmark of a professional CV. Apply these rules throughout:
Always submit as PDF unless otherwise specified. PDF preserves formatting across devices and operating systems, prevents accidental editing, and looks professional.
File naming convention: LastName_FirstName_CV_2024.pdf or LastName_CV.pdf
Never submit as a Word document, Google Doc, or other editable format unless specifically requested.
Different career stages call for different CV strategies. Here's how to approach your CV based on where you are in your career.
Recommended Section Order:
Tips for Emerging Artists:
Recommended Section Order:
Tips for Mid-Career Artists:
Recommended Section Order:
Tips for Established Artists:
Building and maintaining an artist CV can be time-consuming. Every time you complete a project, you need to update your CV—and then remember to do it consistently across all your application materials.
Artsumé automatically generates CAA-formatted CVs from your profile entries. When you add an exhibition, award, or education entry to your Artsumé profile, your CV updates automatically.
Benefits of using Artsumé for your CV:
Join thousands of artists managing their CVs and applications in one place.
Your artist CV is a living document that will grow and evolve throughout your career. Start with a clean template, follow CAA formatting standards, and update regularly. With a professional CV in hand, you'll be ready to pursue opportunities with confidence.
Ready to streamline your artist CV? Create your free Artsumé account and let us handle the formatting while you focus on making art.
Last updated: January 2025
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