Applying to Opportunities#

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire application process on Artsumé, from finding opportunities to submitting successful applications.

Introduction#

Applying to opportunities is a core function of Artsumé. This guide covers everything you need to know about finding, evaluating, and applying to grants, residencies, exhibitions, jobs, and other opportunities.

Prerequisites#

Before applying, ensure you have:

• A complete artist profile
• At least a few portfolio works uploaded
• Your CV information ready (optional but recommended)
• Required application materials prepared
• Understanding of the opportunity requirements

Step 1: Finding Opportunities#

Browse Opportunities#

1. Navigate to "Explore" from the main menu
2. You'll see a list of available opportunities
3. Use the search bar to find specific opportunities

Filter Opportunities#

Use filters to narrow your search:

1. Type: Grants, Residencies, Exhibitions, Jobs, Internships, etc.
2. Discipline: Filter by your artistic discipline
3. Location: Geographic scope (Local, Regional, National, International)
4. Deadline: Upcoming deadlines (7 days, 30 days, 90 days, etc.)
5. Compensation: Opportunities with compensation
6. Career Stage: Early career, Mid-career, Established

Search Opportunities#

1. Use the search bar at the top
2. Search by:
   • Opportunity title
   • Organization name
   • Keywords
   • Location

Step 2: Review Opportunity Details#

Before applying, carefully review the opportunity:

1. Click on an opportunity to view full details
2. Review all sections:

Key Information#

• Title and Description: What the opportunity is about
• Type: Grant, Residency, Exhibition, etc.
• Organization: Who is offering the opportunity
• Deadline: Application deadline (note timezone)
• Eligibility: Who can apply
• Requirements: What's needed for the application

Eligibility Criteria#

Check if you meet all requirements:

• Disciplines: Is your discipline eligible?
• Career Stage: Do you meet the career stage requirements?
• Location: Are you in an eligible location?
• Age: Age restrictions (if any)
• Other Requirements: Specific qualifications

Application Requirements#

Review what materials are needed:

• Portfolio works (how many?)
• CV sections required
• Application questions
• Additional documents
• Application fee (if any)

Compensation and Benefits#

Understand what's offered:

• Compensation: Amount and payment schedule
• Benefits: Housing, studio space, materials, etc.
• Timeline: Duration and important dates
• Expectations: What's expected of selected artists

Step 3: Start Your Application#

1. Click "Apply Now" on the opportunity page
2. You'll be taken to the application form
3. Review the application structure before filling it out

Step 4: Complete Application Information#

Personal Information#

1. Review your personal information (pre-filled from your profile)
2. Update if needed:
   • Name
   • Email
   • Phone
   • Location
   • Website

Application Questions#

Answer all required questions:

1. Read each question carefully
2. Consider what the organization is looking for
3. Write clear, concise, and thoughtful responses
4. Use the word count as a guide (if provided)

Example Question Response#

Question: "Describe your artistic practice and how this opportunity would support your work."

Good Response: "My practice explores the relationship between memory and place through site-specific installations. I use found objects and archival materials to create immersive environments that invite viewers to reconsider forgotten spaces. This residency would provide crucial studio time and access to local archives, allowing me to develop a new body of work examining the industrial history of this region."

Poor Response: "I make art about memory. This would help me."

Step 5: Select Portfolio Works#

Choose works that best represent your practice for this opportunity:

1. Click "Add Portfolio Work" in the portfolio section

2. Browse your portfolio

3. Select works to include:

   • Consider the opportunity's focus
   • Show range and consistency
   • Include recent work
   • Choose your strongest pieces

4. Add notes about each work if requested:

   • Why you selected it
   • How it relates to the opportunity
   • Context or background

Portfolio Work Requirements#

Check the opportunity's requirements:

• Number of Works: Minimum/maximum allowed
• Media Requirements: Specific formats or media types
• File Size Limits: Maximum file sizes
• Additional Materials: Video, audio, or other media

Step 6: Import CV Information#

Many opportunities require CV information:

1. Click "Import from CV" in the CV section

2. Select which CV sections to include:

   • Education
   • Exhibitions
   • Awards
   • Publications
   • Other relevant sections

3. Review imported information

4. Edit or add entries if needed

5. Remove irrelevant sections

Step 7: Upload Additional Documents#

Some opportunities require additional files:

1. Find the "Documents" section

2. Click "Upload Document"

3. Supported formats typically include:

   • PDF
   • Word documents
   • Images
   • Other specified formats

4. Name your files clearly (e.g., "ArtistStatement_2024.pdf")

5. Check file size limits

Step 8: Review Your Application#

Before submitting, thoroughly review:

1. Completeness: All required fields filled
2. Accuracy: Information is correct
3. Quality: Responses are well-written
4. Materials: Portfolio works and documents are correct
5. Formatting: Everything displays properly

Application Checklist#

• All required questions answered
• Portfolio works selected and notes added
• CV information imported and reviewed
• Additional documents uploaded
• Personal information accurate
• Application proofread for errors
• All requirements met

Step 9: Submit Your Application#

When ready to submit:

1. Scroll to the bottom of the application

2. Review the submission summary

3. Click "Submit Application"

4. Confirm submission (you may not be able to edit after)

5. You'll receive a confirmation:

   • On-screen confirmation
   • Email confirmation
   • Application appears in "My Applications"

Step 10: Application Fees#

Some opportunities require application fees:

1. If a fee is required, you'll see payment options
2. Choose payment method:
   • Credit card
   • Other available methods
3. Complete payment securely
4. Application submits after successful payment

Fee Waivers#

Some opportunities offer fee waivers:

1. Check if you're eligible for a fee waiver
2. Request a fee waiver if eligible
3. Provide required documentation
4. Wait for approval before submitting

Step 11: Track Your Application#

After submitting:

1. Go to "My Applications" in your dashboard

2. Find your submitted application

3. View application status:

   • Submitted: Successfully submitted
   • Under Review: Being reviewed
   • Shortlisted: Selected for further consideration
   • Accepted: Congratulations!
   • Not Selected: Application not successful

4. Click on the application to view details and updates

Application Best Practices#

Before Applying#

• Research: Learn about the organization and opportunity
• Eligibility: Confirm you meet all requirements
• Materials: Prepare all required materials in advance
• Timeline: Note the deadline and plan accordingly

Writing Your Application#

• Be Authentic: Write in your own voice
• Be Specific: Use concrete examples
• Be Relevant: Connect your work to the opportunity
• Be Professional: Proofread and format carefully
• Be Concise: Respect word limits and be clear

Portfolio Selection#

• Quality: Choose your best work
• Relevance: Select works that relate to the opportunity
• Range: Show variety while maintaining coherence
• Recent: Include recent work when possible
• Cohesion: Works should work well together

Timing#

• Early: Submit well before the deadline
• Not Too Early: Don't submit before you're ready
• Time Zones: Be aware of deadline timezones
• Buffer: Allow time for technical issues

Examples#

Example: Successful Application Structure#

Opportunity: "Emerging Artist Grant 2024"

Application Includes:

• Personal information (pre-filled)
• 3 application questions answered (200-300 words each)
• 5 portfolio works selected with notes
• CV sections: Education, Exhibitions, Awards
• Artist statement document uploaded
• Application fee paid

Result: Shortlisted, then Accepted

Example: Application Timeline#

Day 1: Found opportunity, reviewed requirements Day 2-5: Prepared materials, wrote responses Day 6: Selected portfolio works, imported CV Day 7: Reviewed and edited application Day 8: Submitted application (3 days before deadline) Day 9: Received confirmation email

Troubleshooting#

Next Steps#

After submitting your application:

1. Track Status: Monitor your application status
2. Prepare for Next Steps: Be ready for interviews or additional materials if shortlisted
3. Apply to More: Don't put all your hopes on one opportunity
4. Learn: Use each application as a learning experience
5. Read More Guides:
   • Managing Applications
   • Best Practices

Related Resources#

• Opportunity Discovery
• Application Tips
• Portfolio Guide

Applying to opportunities is a skill that improves with practice. Take time with each application, learn from the process, and don't get discouraged by rejections. Every application is a step forward in your artistic career!